A common problem with the GA16DE engine is a leaking front seal. The symptoms are:
- Oil in the area of the belts and other parts of the passenger side of the engine.
- Ol level low, but no puddles/drips.
Here is the procedure from the Factory Service Manual
- The Engine under cover is the plastic cover bolted to the underside of the engine.
- The front of the car should be put on jack stands, and the passenger-side front wheel removed. The RH engine side cover is behind the passenger-side wheel. Remove the clips. If the clip is smooth, pry it out with a screwdriver. If it has a Phillips screw in the middle, remove the screw and then pry the clip put with a screwdriver.
- The drive belt removal is shown below.
- The crankshaft pulley (the bottom pulley you took the belts off of) is removed by loosening and removing the bolt in the center. The bolt is on tight and is most easily removed with an impact wrench. If you have a standard trans, you can put it in 4-th gear and have a friend stand on the brakes while you try to remove it with a socket and breaker bar. If you have an auto trans, this method will not work. Once the bolt off, grab the pulley with both hands and try to work it off. Sometimes this works. If not, use a puller. (you can rent one for a returnable deposit from an auto parts place).
- You can remove the seal with a screwdriver, as shown. Be careful not to scratch the surface on the engine where the seal is installed. If it is scratched, it may leak.
- The suitable tool used to install the seal can be a large socket (a piece of hard wood will work). The important part is to keep the seal square and not damage it when installing it. Install it flush with the block, not any deeper.
- There is a keyway and key (half-moon shaped piece of metal that fits in the keyway) on the crankshaft. Examine the key for burrs and dress it with a pattern file if there are any. (Clean and oil it afterwards.) Set the key in the keyway with the front slightly lower than the rear so the pulley won't push it out when installed.
- The crank pulley has a slot which fits over the key. Orient the pulley so it lines up with the keyway and slide it on. It should go on easily, don't force it.
- Tighten the bolt to 97-112 lbs-ft with a torque wrench.
- Re-install the belts and shields (line up the holes and push the clips in).
Engine Accessory Belts
