oil leak getting worse

[8N-Randy]

My 8n has always had a oil leak at the front of the engine. Wasn't a big deal to me, but it is getting worse. If it sits in one spot running, it doesn't take very long and I have a oil puddle on the ground, not just a few drips.
My guess is it's not the oil pan, but where the crank comes through the front cover. I've never messed with these motors, what should I be looking for or expect when I tear into it. It is a side mount distributer if that makes any difference. Is the front seal a rope seal? I've seen mention on this board of a neoprean seal.
I've rebuilt a few sb chevy motors, on them the crank can wear a grove in it from the seal in the timing chain cover running on it for years, can I expect something like this on the 8n motor, and if so is there a fix for it?

Thanks in advance

 

[souNdguy]

kake sure it isn't the governor / tiing cover leaking.

I bet you could find a speedi sleave to fit the crank nose.. though i can't say that I've ever looked either..

soundguy

 

[R Geiger (or)]

It is a rope seal, but like soundguy says, make sure of the location of the leak before you tear into it.

 

[James Hill]

could be the bolt holding the oil plunger, mine was leaking there before I replaced the plunger.

 

[8N-Randy]

(quoted from post at 17:56:07 05/28/09) could be the bolt holding the oil plunger, mine was leaking there before I replaced the plunger.

could you explain that a little better. What is the oil plunger?

 

[R Geiger (or)]

I think he means the bolt that is part of the oil pressure regulator. Large nut front left upper part of the timing gear cover. It does has a gasket on it.