Question about IMS oil leaks

[Jamesp]

Originally Posted by truegearhead

I replaced my IMS with an upgraded unit a few years ago and just pulled everything back apart to replace a new IMS oil leak. I can see where the IMS oil seal failed. My question is where is this oil coming from? Is it passing through the bearing? It's a huge leak. I'm going to replace the bearing again due some metal shavings I found around the housing. The bearing still "feels ok" but it's obviously time for it to go. With as much oil is there was in the housing it really seems like a unsealed bearing would be the way to go.

Bonus question, I searched and searched yesterday but even with all the RMS depth talk out there I can't find a picture of one that is confirmed to be at the right depth. I don't have the tool. I seated mine 2mm past the housing face.

The oil is coming from splash oil in the crankcase.

The only sealing the bearing is meant to do is seal the grease inside the bearing. The bearing is not an oil seal except to the inside of the IMS tube, and that is one of the big problems with the bearing set up. Oil can get past the bearing and cook in the tube. This creates an acidic slime that can eat the IMS bearing. The bearing does not seal oil to the outside of the engine. There should be an O ring on the bolt to do that. If it is leaking lots of oil, the O ring on the bolt may be missing.

The bearing you show is not a full contact seal bearing, I'll hazard a guess it's the Pelican replacement looking at it. I bought the Pelican kit for the better bolt, and replaced the bearing with a full contact 6204 steel bearing with high temp grease and Viton seals ($6.00). I didn't catch if your engine was originally single or dual row. If dual row I'd suggest a dual row bearing.

If you have metal in the oil, your situation does not lend itself to an open bearing. Metal particles in a bearing will lead to premature bearing failure.

If it were me, I'd source a full face contact steel bearing and plan on replacing it next clutch job. If this is a case of a dual row bearing being replaced with a single row and a spacer, I'd get a new dual row full contact. I'd also replace the rear main seal. In my view leaving in a worn seal is not finishing the job.

Some folks would agree with this approach, others not. In the end it's up to you. One thing I think everyone would agree on is if it is a dual row replaced with a single row and a spacer, at a minimum go back with a dual row. Best of luck on whatever you decide.

My 2 cents