As if I did not have enough problems with my 87 syncro, I was on the
way to the airport yesterday when the crankshaft seal failed and
dumped most of the oil on the road (I missed the flight!).  I
couldnt believe it because the same thing happened about 3 months
(and 3000miles) ago on my way up to Northern Canada.  That time I
was able to get it towed to Kamloops and have it repaired while I
continued my trip at considerable expense in a rental.  The guy that
repaired it said that the seal had been sticking out too far and had
finaly torn (I have the seal and a chunk is missing)probably from
rubbing on the flywheel.  He thought that it probably had not been
installed properly (it had been dripping ever since I purchased it 4
months previously)in the first place (the engine is a rebuild with
about 25k miles).  However, now that it has happened again so soon I
am left wondering what could possibly cause this.   I have talked to
others that have said that in other cars this can be symptom of a
warped engine casing.  I cant afford to have my mechanic fix it this
time so I need to know what to look for.  Can anyone give me any
ideas about what could be wrong and how I can fix it?
Thanks for this help and other help that I have received from this
list.
David