Before doing al this work make sure the leak is not from a bad o ring under the breather tower or that the tower is no cracked or partly melted. Also check the dipstick tube. Replace the oil pump cover and gasket while there. This is the most common leak source at the rear. If you remove the engine carrier replace those rear mounts.

Dennis,
From my phone.
________________________________
From: kenneth wilford (Van-Again)<mailto:kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Sent: ‎2/‎28/‎2014 2:16 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM<mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Subject: Re: is engine removed to change crankcase seal

Spencer,
As Denis said, it is doable with the engine still installed.

You have to remove the muffler and cat, tin shield above muffler, and the
engine carrier bar, then lower the engine with a jack until you can get a
good shot on the main pulley.  I use a really heavy duty air gun (1000
ftlbs) as a lighter gun will usually not be able to get the pulley bolt
loose.

Before you go through all of this check your crank case vent hose (on the
top of the engine) if it is pinched shut it could cause an oil leak because
it is allowing crank case pressure to build up inside the engine and it
will push oil around a new seal.  Smell the oil as well.  Does it smell
like gas?  A leaky injector can dilute the oil to the point where no seal
is going to hold it back.

Let me know if I can help you further.

Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com

On Fri, Feb 28, 2014 at 11:59 AM, Spencer Allen <spencervw@aol.com> wrote:

> Hi all. I've got a heavy oil leak on my 85 westy that appears to be from
> the crankcase seal above the oil pump. This is the original seal do these
> things go bad after so many years? Will the RR involve pulling the engine
> or is there a neater way to do this? Looks like a lot of stuff has to come
> off to get to it. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
> Spencer
> 85 Westy 1.9
>

--
Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com