first time i was demisting windows and whole car just stunck of oil so went to have a peek and it was half filled when i had toped it up day before. then found the offending hose so was fine then. next time i parked in a car park there was a huge rainbow on the the ground leading to were i parked so was a slight give away i had an oil leak nothing ever came off it was a few months ago and still running fine but think it was just luck i spoted it/was on a short drives at the time. ive herd of people changing the shells and it being ok and no a few people have just whiped the crank out had it reground new bearings and just done it all from under the car without removing the engine but till u no exactly what your dealing with its hard to tell with a ep its prob easier to just take out the engine. ive had debated breaking mine once or twice always seen it out to get it road worthy again and a quik bit of boost and its the last thing on my mind lol