I have a 1987 Celica GT 3sfe. I leaks oil, not badly, but enough it should be fixed. The seals and parts are all 28 years old at this point, but low miles -- 150k. I have to go in a replace the timing belt and water pump soon. I also plan on doing the seal around the crankshaft. I'm thinking I'll have to replace at least the front seal on the oil pump. How likely is this to solve the oil drip? If I have to replace the housing seal on the oil pump, do I have to drop the pan (I did that a couple of years ago and it was a lot of work). If I'm in that deep, should I replace the oil pump too while I'm there? This site has been so much help keeping my old baby running. Thanks so much.
150k does not equal low miles, lol. usually the oil pump shaft seal will leak if there is too much tension put on the timing belt. I would just do ALL the seal under the belt and be done with it.
I've got a '86 3sge with 400k on it, I had a machinist look at my pump rotor as it actually had a groove worn in it from the rubber seal! My pump still checked out Ok, your oil pump will be fine.. DEFINITELY replace all seals. Buy a "timing belt kit" it had all seals and belt in it. The other big one for leaks is the main oil seal behind the clutch. Its a real pain to get to..... With 150k you may get lucky with oil seal rejuvinator as they may be leaking more from age than wear. But not guaranteed. Worth a shot before pulling the gearbox out though!
Thanks for the thoughts. I'll replace any seal I can easily reach, but my real concern is if I have to drop the oil pan on order to replace the seals on the oil pump. Anyone know?
You only need to drop the pan to replace the oil pan gasket. You can replace the front main seal on the oil pump without removing the oil pan. You should also replace the cam oil seals while you are it.
