hi there , my ef has developed a oil leak at the front of the engine, looks like maybe the balancer seal in the timing cover but i cant tell untill the radiator comes out , is this a common problem and if it is the seal is it a straight forward fix??, cheers in advance

yes mate it is pritty easy to do .just make shore that you clean up were the seal goes in put some sealent on it as well also see if the balancer is not worn as well

It is a common problem around the harmonic balancer.

After removing the radiator etc., and using a good BIG screwdriver to lever out the old seal, make sure you put in the new seal with LUBRICATION on the inside lip. Most ppl put in a new seal, and don't put any lube on it, and wonder why it fails within a few hundred kays.

Second, get a bit of emery paper, and smooth the part of the the balancer that fits into the seal. Check, with your fingernail, that there are no ridges, or divots, that will cause the seal to wear prematurely.

The best thing to do is to get emery paper and give the balancer outer a really good clean. I cannot stress enuf to lube the seal when you put it in

Good luck