Engine oil seals , engine out ?

[Keith in Norfolk]

I have owned my E Type for 8 years now and have loved every minuet of it .
Ever since I purchased the car back in 2009 I have all ways had a small oil leak from the usual crank case oil seal and have learned to live with it , however the time has now come to sort it out and my question is do I have to take engine out or can it be done with the engine in place ? ( drop the sump ? )
any suggestions welcome.

[christopher storey]

If it is the rope seal in the rear main bearing then it is engine and gearbox out to do it . If, however, it is merely a leak down the back of the sump then this can easily be cured by taking the sump off and replacing the flexible seal in the rear aperture of the sump. Note that leaks from the cam feeds can mimic other leaks - the oil drips down and gradually works its way until it drips off the sump etc

How bad is the leak ? Unless it is really bad, or there is some other reason to remove the engine , it really is not worth the major job involved

[Keith in Norfolk]

Thanks Chris no not really a major leak just a small amount of oil on the drip tray once in a while.
I tend to keep an eye on it and top up when required.

[mgcjag]

Hi Keith....if it aint broke dont fix it.....dont think ive seen a Jag without an oil leak......