question for scott

[cheapsho]

so, how do you get to these cam seals, is it a big task? ive already did my 60K, but since then ive been getting oil leaking from above my oil pan, and its not my valve covers...any help would be appreciated thanks!

 

[sdpatt]

You need to change the subject of this question to "cam seal replacement" to let the experience from the entire Forum help you out. I have yet to replace the cam seals on any engine. It does require the removal of the timing belt, camshaft pulleys, rear metal timing belt cover and the CID sensor. It is a good amount of effort on top of a timing belt change.

 

[jthomas68]

Although we all enjoy Scott`s answers,you may be doing yourself an injustice by limiting your responses to only one person,as i`m sure Scott would agree.

 

[snowwind1990]

Above the oil pan?
Upper oil pan gasket leak?
or maybe the Oil Pressure Sender? Clean it up real good with Berryman's B-12(don't sniff the stuff) and let it drip dry, look real close with light. Then start up the engine. Let it get warm and look again...
I doubt if the cam seal is blown.......I have yet to replace that on Snowwind @314,500 miles.

 

[Yamaha V6]

Cam seals can go (and yes, I mean under naturally aspirated conditions... ). They get hot & harden over time just like the plug well seals, but are held in place better than the PWS's.

Scott pretty much outlined the process. Don't lose the dowel pins for the cam drive gears. There is a dedicated tool for removing the seals, but if you're careful & don't drive it in too deep, you can use 2 small screws driven into the seal & pull them out with 2 pairs of pliers. A nice sturdy pick tool will also work usually.

Be sure to install the seal the correct way & not put it in backwards.

Listen to Marlene's advise & try to pinpoint the leak first to verify the location. Good luck!

 

[rangerj]

Cheapsho,

Please do yourself a favor and;
1. pinpoint the leak - clean up the area you suspect and watch for a fresh oil trail.

2. If you determine it is a camshaft seal leaking - use the "special" tools recommended, or be very, VERY, VERY, careful not to nick, scratch, or burr the camshaft while trying to remove the old seal. A nick, scratch, or burr will destroy a new seal in a short time!

I have used self tapping sheet metal screws, screwed into the seal, to pull or lever a seal out of its position. But again, be careful not to nick, scratch, or burr the camshaft or the bore the seal fits in.

Apply grease to the part of the seal that goes around the camshaft, and a light coat of sealer to the surface of the seal that goes in the bore.

I like to use anerobic sealer for this, but it is expensive. A litght coat of RTV (sensor sensitive) will also work.
Good luck on finding and fixing your oil leak, rangerj

 

[DavidT]

cheapsho,
I'm with you on this one. I can feel a lot of oil around the camshaft position sensor. Let us know how it goes if you replace the seals.

 

[cheapsho]

thanks for all the info guys, i dont plan on doing this big task untill spring, becaust i live in minnesota, and my dad always has the garage full of snowmobiles that he works on for other people. i dont much like the oil getting on my exaust and smoking, its quite embarrassing, but i can live with it for now, if we get a nice day before the snow flies i'll spend a few hours trying to pinpoint the leak...it all started after i did my 60K when i had the front valve cover off, but it doesnt seem to be leaking from the valve cover, it was never leaking before...anyways thank you all again. thanks scott, and if i do find the leak i'll have pics for you all

 

[Yamaha V6]

Hmmm, did you remove the old RTV blobs & re-RTV the sharp corners on the heads for re-sealing the cam covers?