Hi folks, I wonder if I could get your 2 cents on this oil leak. Last week, I went to do an oil change and saw oil all over the sump, engine and drivers side mudflap. The oil accumulates the most on the compressor/alternator on the bottom of the engine (sorry I'm not sure what part it is.)  I brought it to my local garage and the sump was reconditioned and put back on with new seal applied and the underside of the car was cleaned. He told me to keep an eye on it as it might be the bottom pulley and if it was, it would be a big job.  

I just got under the car to have another look, and its not looking great. The sump is clean for the most part but there is definitely fresh oil on the bottom of the compressor or alternator (whichever it is). The corner of the sump nearest to this part also has oil. The drivers mudflap also has a thin layer of oil on it again it seems. I took a screenshot from a video I took when investigating. If wanted I can look into uploading the full video. 

Pictured below is the back corner of the sump and fresh oil on the bottom of the housing of the compressor. 

If the crankshaft oil seal needs to be replaced I'll have to get a quote but its looking like it'll be expensive. I like the car and it hasn't given me trouble until now but maybe I will have to consider replacing it if the repair doesn't make sense 😵😟 The other option would be to ignore it and have a leaky car... I'm a student so I can't really afford much.  

9 hours ago, Clembled said:

ignore it and have a leaky car..

I have to say while its not ideal, and not the right thing to do, that on an 11 year old Focus it's probably best to just try and live with the leak. How much oil is it loosing ?

It might be worth getting an estimate but I expect you will be looking at £500 to replace the crankshaft oil seal,

 

That's the AC compressor at the bottom.  Alternator is above it.  

Has the car had a cambelt change?  I think the front crank seal can be replaced by just removing the pulleys so only a few minutes extra work during a cambelt change...but a big job on it's own.

Personally, I'd leave it and let the undertray soak up the excess.  My 1.6 TDCi wasn't oil tight even when I bought it at less than 50k miles.