Cam Seals: Questions

[Cor430vette]

Got the timing belt kit from Modern Performance and it has the cam seal replacements.

I have read the little information I could find on this topic in our forums and it appears that some people have had problems with changing their cam seals primarily leaking after install.

I inspected the cam seals and they dont have a drop of oil around them so they seem in good shape. Worth risking putting in a new set? Or should I leave it be -until problems arise? Then change em...

Also I have this tool that the service manual recommends for removal of the camshaft seals....however for the life of me I cant see how it works?? The Cam seals are tight how does this thing dig em out?? Anyone ever used it before?




Please advise!!

[Cor430vette]

Here is a diagram that I found on it....regarding crank and camshaft seal removal...



Some how it screws into it or something....if you have used this before or something similar let me know !!

[duster360]

If the valve cover is already off, its 4000X easier just to unbolt the cams from the head and slide the seals off.
The only thing that's the least bit complicated about it is that you have to follow the bolt torque sequence.

[StreetSweeper]

Don't take the cams out. All u need is a pick or a small flat screw driver. Carefully dig into the face of the seal and pull it out. Re lube the new seal and gently tap it in with a socket n hammer

MB865

[duster360]

Quote: Originally Posted by StreetSweeper

All u need is a pick or a small flat screw driver.

imo, its too easy to accidentally scratch the surface of the cam which can easily cause the new seal to fail

[StreetSweeper]

I hear ya duster. Just throwing out another option.

MB865

[srtmike04]

Duster is right about the scratching of the surface. When I do them I only remover the end cap so I can slide the seals off. You'll have to remove the cam gears too but its not hard.

[wobigpat000]

how easliy do the cam gears move once the timing belt is removed?

[atroph]

Drill about a 1/16-1/8 inch hole in the seal. Screw in a sheetrock screw. Pull on the screw with a set of pliers.

The reinstallation is fairly straight forward. I use a socket that has the same diameter of the seal. Gently tap in with hammer until it goes no further (cams out). If the cams are in I use a 1/4 socket extension to gently tap the seal in. It is important to insert the seal evenly. I usually tap at like 12 then 6 then 3 then 9 o'clock positions. Then alternate to 2-5-8-11 o'clock. Gentle taps and it will go in just fine. Try and keep the seal as square as possible while installing. Tap it until it stops going in. IIRC it is about 1/16" set back from the edge.

It is not like the rear main that goes flush with the block. From what I have read that is the biggest issue is them not being in far enough and they pop out. The opening of the bore is tapered, and if you install it flush with the edge you only have about 1-1.5 ribs of the seal holding it in.

Edit: Forgot to mention that the reason for the 1/4 socket extension is because it fits perfectly in between the camshaft and the seal bore.

[greenneonsrt]

that ^^ is usually the method I use, it's better to have a socket the same size as the seal so that it goes in straight. Haven't had one pop out yet

[wobigpat000]

That doesn't answer my question, how easily do the cam gears move once the timing belt is removed?
T-Mobile G2 using AutoGuide.C

[_Nick_]

They move with your hands, but wont move themselves. The rocker arms keep them in place.