I just have a relatively quick question: My MTX has about 114k miles on it, I need a new CPS so I figured I should take care of the timing belt and front main seal while I'm at it too. I don't think my waterpump needs replacing, and I'm a little short on cash right now, so I wasn't gonna replace the waterpump. Since my SHO is at 114k, though, how important is it that I do the camshaft oil seals?? I mean, if they're not leaking, I should be ok right?? According to the instructions on the shophoenixproject website, replacing these looks like a HUGE pain in the **** and I really don't wanna do it if I don't have to.
Camshaft Oil Seals?
- Thread starter SHODOGG
- Start date
Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.
TRSCobra
SHO Member
If they're not leaking now, they will within the next 20 or 30,000 miles, then you'll have to take the timing belt and covers back off. 
The only hard one to do is the one behind the CID, and that you can do at any time. Otherwise, while the belt is off, take off the sprockets, the rear timing cover, and you have good access to two of the cam seals.
I 'd do them just because I hate doing the same job twice
The only hard one to do is the one behind the CID, and that you can do at any time. Otherwise, while the belt is off, take off the sprockets, the rear timing cover, and you have good access to two of the cam seals.I 'd do them just because I hate doing the same job twice
DHMag
Free At Last
if you replace one engine seal, another is about 90% guaranteed to fail within 3 months of daily driving.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I would only have them replaced if I payed a shop to do the work and have no intentions to dig in there and do it myself.
If you're a DIY, leave it be. You might have to go in there 20k-30k miles later, or never. And more worse, what if you accidently scratch the camshaft!? You're looking at a leak that won't stop until you rig something up or replace the camshaft.
I would only have them replaced if I payed a shop to do the work and have no intentions to dig in there and do it myself.
If you're a DIY, leave it be. You might have to go in there 20k-30k miles later, or never. And more worse, what if you accidently scratch the camshaft!? You're looking at a leak that won't stop until you rig something up or replace the camshaft.
If you have the front of the motor already apart, you should replace the seals. They are cheap. You could just as easily damage something the next time you are in there when the seals start leaking, so I'm not sure why that is an issue to be concerned with. Also, you really should replace the water pump if it is the original. When it starts leaking, you might ruin the new CPS you are installing.
SHOtimer
#2910
SHODOGG said:
I would say an educated statement. When you have a motor full of old seals where all of them seap oil the pressure is down a bit. You replace one seal, and it puts more pressure on the other seals, replace another, it puts more stress on the remaining seals untill they all start leaking and end up being replaced.
This happened on our '83 Ranger. The valve covers leaked, we replaced them, then the oil filter O-ring, then the front main, then the rear main.... When one leak is fixed the pressure raises and compromises the other old seals...
I would replace them, at least all the two behind the timing belt cover...
Doug
gurucomputers
SHO Member
SHODOGG said:
Replace them you only need three and there four bucks each at autozone. They are really simple to replace just be carefull not to scratch the cam with any tools. I used a punch to pop a hole in the old seal screwed a 3 inch wood screw in about 1 1/2 turns, stuck a small pair of vice grips on the screw and taped on the vice grip with a small hammer and within 5 min all 3 were out. I used a peice of PVC pipe to install the new ones. 15 min total job when you already have it apart. Definanalty worth doing now instead of later.
Similar threads
