I have a 2012 Equinox with the 2.4L 4 cylinder and the ubiquitous rear main seal oil leak. I have performed the hack of drilling a hole from the head side of the intake to the outside to place a removable set screw resealed with blue thread locker to clean the pcv port of carbon once in a while. I also replaced the factory non-vented oil filler cap with a AC-Delco matching vented oil filler cap. Now then, I am pert near close to performing the task of removing the transmission to replace the oil seal. Does GM or any aftermarket offer a redesigned oil seal? Also, is it safely possible to drill a little larger of a hole in the pcv port in the head to prevent another clog up of carbon again? What do y’all think?
A better rear seal?
- Thread starter DFH67
- Start date
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Chevy Ecotec
Member
Honestly, the seal or design itself isn't the problem. It's when that port gets plugged up and excessive pressure exists in the crankcase. Your vent cap should allow the crankcase to vent now if it starts to plug up again.
How many miles? It sounds as if that engine is really dirty. It might need a good internal cleaning. The 2.4 in my 2012 had 225k mi on it when I decided to replace it with a the 2.0 turbo instead. Regular oil changes with full synthetic is what got it that far. Never had an issue with the PCV port clogging.
My advice is to use good oil and change it more often. Keep an eye on your engine oil level, as there is no low oil level sensor on this vehicle. Excessive oil consumption leads to a low oil level, which causes the plastic timing chain guides to break down and the engine to jump time. You probably already knew that since you're about to pull the tranny to replace the RMS, but I figured I might as well bring it up.
How many miles? It sounds as if that engine is really dirty. It might need a good internal cleaning. The 2.4 in my 2012 had 225k mi on it when I decided to replace it with a the 2.0 turbo instead. Regular oil changes with full synthetic is what got it that far. Never had an issue with the PCV port clogging.
My advice is to use good oil and change it more often. Keep an eye on your engine oil level, as there is no low oil level sensor on this vehicle. Excessive oil consumption leads to a low oil level, which causes the plastic timing chain guides to break down and the engine to jump time. You probably already knew that since you're about to pull the tranny to replace the RMS, but I figured I might as well bring it up.
Much obliged for the info, Sir. The 2.4L in this car has almost 148,000 miles. I had been using 5w30 semi-synthetic oil, but I changed the oil and filter yesterday and used 5w30 full synthetic oil instead. The owner I bought the car from over a year ago claimed the timing chain and guides were replaced, but didn’t have the paperwork
. I keep an eye on the oil level and still need to add a quart almost once a week. I still notice drops of oil on the ground after I drive off from somewhere which gives me indication the seal is still leaking. I added a bottle of Blue Devil stop leak yesterday, I don’t know if or how long that band-aid will hold.
When you replaced the engine what all did you change out with it? I have thoughts occasionally of replacing the 2.4L with another one, but I do not want to go through the same thing again because of a poorly designed PCV system.
Thanks again!
. I keep an eye on the oil level and still need to add a quart almost once a week. I still notice drops of oil on the ground after I drive off from somewhere which gives me indication the seal is still leaking. I added a bottle of Blue Devil stop leak yesterday, I don’t know if or how long that band-aid will hold. When you replaced the engine what all did you change out with it? I have thoughts occasionally of replacing the 2.4L with another one, but I do not want to go through the same thing again because of a poorly designed PCV system.
Thanks again!
Chevy Ecotec
Member
Sorry for the delayed response. I've been out in the field "literally" building a new horse pasture and laying 1/4 mile of pipe for water....I'm an old fart...LOL
You only notice "drops" of oil on the ground and there isn't oil all over/under the vehicle after adding roughly a quart or so weekly? Does this sound correct? My 2.4 has never leaked a drop, but it used a lot of oil a times. I performed a ring cleaning with Seafoam and that took care of it for a long time.
Timing chain wise I would never assume. Take a look at the timing chain tensioner and see if it looks newer. It shouldn't look like this if it has been replaced:
I'm going to check these forums daily now to try and be a little more helpful. You should consider the Seafoam thing if you haven't already. It certainly won't hurt anything.
You only notice "drops" of oil on the ground and there isn't oil all over/under the vehicle after adding roughly a quart or so weekly? Does this sound correct? My 2.4 has never leaked a drop, but it used a lot of oil a times. I performed a ring cleaning with Seafoam and that took care of it for a long time.
Timing chain wise I would never assume. Take a look at the timing chain tensioner and see if it looks newer. It shouldn't look like this if it has been replaced:
I'm going to check these forums daily now to try and be a little more helpful. You should consider the Seafoam thing if you haven't already. It certainly won't hurt anything.
