Oil Seal Tools

[Marccus]

I need to change the shift shaft oil seal (part number 7288) (say that fast 5 times ....) for the 2nd time. I changed it the first time without using any special tool to install the seal. It's been leaking since.

There is a special tool from Ford "Sector Shaft Seal Tool, T77D-7288-A". I was told that Snap-On or Matco could supply tool if you give them the correct Ford Tool Number.

Checking Snap-On, they have seal remover/installer tools and kits to install various size bushings and seals. The different size plastic seal "pushers" are not expensive, but the driver tool ($136) and remover ($50 - $80) are. eek!

I realize you can then change all seals with this kit and the correct remover/installer tool.

But does anyone know a cheaper way:

- Can you rent/borrow tool from Pep Boys, Autozone, etc?

- Any DIY tools that one can come up with?

I read somewhere that someone used a PVC pipe of the correct ID and wall thickness to apply even pressure on the seal to drive it into its location with light taps with a rubber hammer on the PVC pipe end.

Any comments/recommendations appreciated.

P.S. I also need to install new cam seals and don't want to make the same mistake of ruining them.

 

[SHOfear]

OTC makes the Rotunda tools. You can order the tool directly from them. As far as cam seals, you need the expander, part number T89P-6256-B. What do you need new cam seals for, anyway?

Steve

 

[Marccus]

Ahhhh .... from Boston. My home town for the first 30 years of my life and where I purchased my SHO in '89.

Thanks for the reply. But, sorry for the ignorance, what does "OTC" stand for?

The SHO Shop replaced my power steering pump (there are some things I just don't have the tools or knowledge to do) and they stated they believed my cam seals were leaking and I may want to check them out. I was leaking some serious oil. eek!

A poster NavalAv8tor (?), stated that he couldn't believe the cam seals leaking would cause that much oil loss and dripping and believed the problem was the valve cover gasket.

In any event I'm almost ready to do a 60K, and along with the valve lash adjustment was going to replace all the gaskets and seals that needed to be replaced (I have an upper engine gasket kit).

Any other suggestions on what to do are greatly appreciated. thumbs_u

 

[SHOfear]

Navalavia8tor is right, I can't imagine that much oil through cam seals. In fact, I have never heard of them even going bad. I would say check your valve covers. OTC is a company that makes specialty tools for auto makers. Call 800-533-6127 to order the tools. that is OTCs customer service/order line. They are pretty cheap. In fact, I just ordered a whole bunch of tools from them, including the cam seal expander, costed me about $15 a tool. They ship next day, and it takes about 3 days. You can get the upper engine gasket kit from SHOnut for pretty cheap, I hope that is where you got it from, and not the shoshop.

Steve

 

[luigisho]

If you call OTC I got the runaround the first time I called. They usually sell their stuff through vendors but make exceptions for Ford tools so be explicit about that fact. thumbs_u

 

[Marccus]

SHOfear:
Navalavia8tor is right, I can't imagine that much oil through cam seals. In fact, I have never heard of them even going bad. I would say check your valve covers. OTC is a company that makes specialty tools for auto makers. Call 800-533-6127 to order the tools. that is OTCs customer service/order line. They are pretty cheap. In fact, I just ordered a whole bunch of tools from them, including the cam seal expander, costed me about $15 a tool. They ship next day, and it takes about 3 days. You can get the upper engine gasket kit from SHOnut for pretty cheap, I hope that is where you got it from, and not the shoshop.

Steve

I purchased gasket kit from Ford Parts Network online and it was a little less expensive than SHOnut.

Wow, tools are cheap compared to Snap-On! I don't need the expensive stuff, since I don't make a living being a mechanic and every dollar in my pocket is better for me.

I have to go through the Shop Manual and see what other tools I need. I don't want to destroy any more seals!

You and NavalAvia8or have good intuition - when I look at the amount of oil dripping when I'm under the car it's difficult to believe that a seal could leak that much oil.

Well, in a week I'll have the tools and I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks.

BTW, I hear it hot as **** back in Boston - the three H's - hazy, hot and humid. I hope the Patriot's season gives some motivation to the Sox and they don't take the typical end-of-summer, fall dive.

 

[projectSHO89]

When I tore into the front end of my 89 with 195K miles on it looking for the oil leaks, The amount of oil being lost from the rear cam seal surprised me. There was almost a 1/4 cup of oil pooled inside the housing and mount of the cam sensor! Both other cam seals were leaking to a lesser extent. The car was really dripping oil and most of it was from the rear cam seal.

It's pretty easy to diagonse if that rear cam sealis leaking. Just pull of the CIS sensor and look for oil insed the housing or look for a drip on the bottom edge of the sensor/housing joint. It's quite easily distinguished from the valve covers if you use an inspection mirror and light.

The replacement seals that I got from rockauto went right in using the instructions from Sergio Perfetti. They did not require the use of the seal expander that the Hems shows for the Ford seals.

Steve
89

 

[SHOfear]

When I replaced the cam seals, I needed the expander, because you can't fit the gaket over the cam lobes. Not sure if there is a little difference in the seals, maybe. It is possible, as you mentioned, to lose oil through the seals, especially when both are leaking. It is just that from what I have heard, it doens't occur all that much. As long as Marccus is replacing all gaskets, however, I see any further point as moot.
Yes, it is hazy, hot, and humid. Right now the last two days have been over 100, and only a handful of days have been under 90. Thank god I have central air conditioning and an in-ground pool. I think I'll being moving to Canada pretty soon to get out of this heat. I can't wait for the freezing winter again. God bless snow!!!
ALso, Marccus, if I were going to use these tools often, I would definitely go with the OTC. At least then you can be sure they are the right ones, and my feeling is that if they are good enough for Ford and other major auto makers, they are good enough for me. Good luck, fellow Bostonian!!

Steve