oil leak

[mibrinn]

I have a yanmar 8ysm and there is a slight leak at the starting shaft
that is the one that you can hand crank but arnt supposed to.
the leak is around the shaft and it drips down the face of the engine housing
the rate is about one tea spoon for about 2hrs engine time.
is this serious?
how can it be repaired>
the engine has about 1,000 hrs on it (an 82)
is it possible that there may be too much oil in the engine and it is just flowing over ??
should I worry or not?

[sloopjohnl]

sounds like the main seal on your crank shaft. if you have a service manual or parts manual that should indicate what it is going to take to replace it. if not it sounds like it is time to consult a mechanic. the leak will only get worse and messier. the next question would be was this normal wear and tear or is there another cause for the seal to break down and the engine start leaking? play in the crankshaft? main bearings worn causing slop in the crankshaft?

I have a yanmar 8ysm and there is a slight leak at the starting shaft
that is the one that you can hand crank but arnt supposed to.
the leak is around the shaft and it drips down the face of the engine housing
the rate is about one tea spoon for about 2hrs engine time.
is this serious?
how can it be repaired>
the engine has about 1,000 hrs on it (an 82)
is it possible that there may be too much oil in the engine and it is just flowing over ??
should I worry or not?

[mibrinn]

sounds like the main seal on your crank shaft. if you have a service manual or parts manual that should indicate what it is going to take to replace it. if not it sounds like it is time to consult a mechanic. the leak will only get worse and messier. the next question would be was this normal wear and tear or is there another cause for the seal to break down and the engine start leaking? play in the crankshaft? main bearings worn causing slop in the crankshaft?

I have a yanmar 8ysm and there is a slight leak at the starting shaft
that is the one that you can hand crank but arnt supposed to.
the leak is around the shaft and it drips down the face of the engine housing
the rate is about one tea spoon for about 2hrs engine time.
is this serious?
how can it be repaired>
the engine has about 1,000 hrs on it (an 82)
is it possible that there may be too much oil in the engine and it is just flowing over ??
should I worry or not?

mibrinn@aol.com