300 tdi seal woes

Hi all first of all thanks in advance for any replies, I have been lurking for a while and this site has helped me no end.

I've been battling with an oil leak slowly getting worse and set about tackling it this weekend but found this.



Is this worth replacing or refitting ?

Also any tips for fitting the gritty rubber seals or do most go for rtv as I nearly lost a finger in the process lol

you need to change all the main bearings and conrod bearing shells,and check crank journals are very smooth , i use rtv to seal rear bearing cap

Thanks James I feared as much was in two minds whether or not to put it back together and save for a recon short motor. Do you think new shells would save it ?

Also rather noob question but new bolts or not ?

new shells arent expensive,i cant see the crank so you need to look, though shell looks worn smooth, the old bolts unless showing signs of damage will be fine, use some loctite on main cap bolts and rod nuts

Very true and half the work is done to get at them I suppose. From what little I've seen of it, it seemed ok, my heart sank when I saw the copper lol.

For the rtv t seals do you assemble dry then pump it in or fill the channels then put the cap on ?

place some in the channels and in corners of block and remove excess once its dried

Thanks again James

Got around to changing the bearings this weekend, what are your thoughts on the wear for 170k.

Front to back is left to right

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ive seen better but they had very regular oil changes all their life, but not uncommon

History is very vague on this one, I've only had her 3 months and 500 miles, seems to have been abused / neglected by the previous owner. Just working my way front to back putting right all the bodges and giving everything a thorough check and service.

I appreciate it can only be a stab in the dark but what sort of lifespan do you think I'll get from changing the shells ?