My front cam seals were leaking, so i decided to pull it apart and replace the cam seals and do the timing belt while i was in there.

Ran into an issue which i am desperate for advice on.

The front cam seals are basically melted. I cut the groove in the cam seal, got the screw driver in there wrapped in a shop towel as instructed but they are just so stuck to the metal they are coming apart in chunks, and in doing so, even with a shop towel and being careful, marring the metal behind the seal.

My problem is that where the seals seat into the cam, i can't seem to get it all out.

Anyone ran into this issue, and how do I fix it?

 

Try spraying with a penetrating fluid and giving it some time to soak in. Then another try with the screw driver wrapped in shop towel.

I have a set of dental picks that I use for removing seals. Something like http://www.princessauto.com/workshop/hand-tools/specialty-tools/hobby-tools/8077844-6-pc-dental-pick-set might do the trick.

Worst case, maybe try taking the end of the screwdriver and wrap electrical tape (one layer only) around the tip. Try using that so that you don't score the surface.

Hope this helps

 

I had the dental piks from another job on a ski and tried using those but it still got really roughed up in the process.

Does anyone know what affects scoring the surface does?

Perhaps I lightly sand the area down to smooth it out with one of the metal files I have to fix it, apply some jb weld to the grooves, and some high temp gasket sealant to the area before inserting the cam seal.

The part scored seems to be the camshaft itself when I look at the diagram.

 

Wow, Can't say I have ever had a problem like this before. My guess is if the scored portion of the surface come into contact with either the seal or the head, then yes, it should be polished to prevent damage to the seal during installation and operation.

Whatever you are using to get the surface smooth (metal sandpaper/emery paper /glass paper/file/polishing stones), make sure that the area is thoroughly clean during and after, and try to get as little grit in as possible. JBweld sounds alright, but as for the high temp gasket sealant, I think I'd skip. Just my two cents. Hope this helps

 

I needed to get it put back together yesterday. I did end up applying the high temp gasket into the lip of the cam oring and I got out the mars by 220 sand paper. I cleaned the area up with some alcohol and compressed air. Seated the new cam seal using the blunt end of a wratchet extension wrapped in a doubled shop towel and a mini hammer.

Started right up. So far so good.

 

Nice! Glad everything worked out in the end.

 

I know I'm bringing up an old thread, just curious if you had any leaks after your repairs to the cam seal seat area.
Thanks!