Can the balancer be removed to replace a leaking front seal in a F430 without removing the engine? Thanks!
Haven't had to do this job yet, but I think it's do able without engine removal. Are you sure that's where the leak it coming from?
Pretty sure. Odd place for a leak on an almost new motor. Nothing from above. Most oil is coming from the front seal area behind the balancer.
I had this happen on my 16M with less than 10,000 miles this summer. I ordered the seal and the one-use stretch bolt from Ricambi America, and had it changed at Cantech in Syracuse, NY. Cost was $400 plus parts. Obviously, it can be changed out without disturbing the engine.
Thank you for this info, it is very helpful. Do you have a pic of the oil leak for me to compare to? How did you determine there was a leak in the first place?
I first noticed the leak during an oil change when I pulled off the rear undertray, and saw that it was covered with oil. I checked it out very closely, and it was quite obvious that the front seal was the only place that the oil could be coming from. In my mind, a disaster. I looked at the engine front setup closely, and determined that if both crush plates that are mounted just in front of the damper were removed, it was very likely that a puller could fit between the frame crossmember and the damper to remove it. This proved to be the case. Sorry, no pictures. If the top of the front engine cover is dry, then the oil seal is the only place the leak could be. I was lucky that the leaking oil was a small amount and did not get onto the serpentine belt at all. PM me with any further concerns, and call me if you want. I will be happy to talk to you at any time.
By the way, the $6.00 oil seal cost $62.00, and the $1.50 bolt was $38.00. Welcome to the strange world of Ferrari parts pricing.
It would seem the F430 engine dampner is made out of aluminum while the 355 and 360 are not. Are people starting to see these fail and shake the front crank til the seal leaks? This may be something to check when performing a service. We haven't pulled mine yet to know for sure, but another F430 with only 6900 miles had a dampner fail with front seal leak. What have others experienced? Image Unavailable, Please Login
Skip Do you have the part # you used for the seal and bolt on ricambi? I'm having the same problem. Thanks, Jimmy
