3X8 Cam Seal Installation

What is the recommended procedure for installation of the 3X8 cam seals; the process looks like it could be done at least two ways.

The easiest method would be to install the seals and o-rings on to the “front cover” (aluminum ring), put the assembled ring onto the cam then install the cam and seal assembly into the head. It seems that this method uses the lip seal to press the aluminum ring with the o-ring into the head. This is probably an easier installation method, but I’m afraid that this method may introduce a lot of stress onto the new lip seal because the valve cover is not used to push the aluminum ring with the o-ring into the groove in the head.

Alternatively, it looks like it might be better for the lip seal to install the aluminum ring with the o-ring onto the head with the cam and without the lip seal. Then after the valve cover is all torqued down remove the pulleys and install the lip seals “insitu”? With this method you could have a higher level of seal integrity, but you could possibly jeopardize the cam timing by reinstalling the pulleys. To improve the integrity of the sela it seems, the valve cover could be removed after the lip seal is installed and the timing checked one final time before sealing the valve cover.

Any help/suggestions would be appreciated.

Hi Mark,

The method I use is to install the seal & o-ring into/onto the housing, then install on cam end, and carefully install entire assembly back into the head, then slowly and carefully snug down all the cam retaining saddles. Making finite adjustments/alignments to the seal housing as the saddles are snugged down. This is a critical portion of the cam reassembly to insure against leaks so carefull methodical work habits are in order.

Regards, JRV

Hi JRV:
Thanks for the input. Your method seems like it would probably be the best, but I thought I would ask if anybody might do it the other way.
This process does seem to be critical in order to prevent leaks.

Thanks Again,
Mark

Another point to make is that when passing the cam through the seal, make sure you try not to touch the lip of the seal on the edge of the cam lobes. It is so easy to destroy the sealing capability of a rotary shaft seal by doing this, yet to the naked eye you would not see the damage.
Don’t handle shaft seals with anything but scrupulously clean hands – even touching the lip seal with slightly dirty hands can scratch the sealing edge. Treat it like a surgical operation!

Paul

If your car is a 4v be sure to have the seal housing positioned correctly!! They have an oil drainage area built into the housing. if positioned upside down you will have a leak!!

Tom:
I know there is a oil drain provision in the head, but I thought the seal housing (aluminum ring) was symetrical.
Did I miss something?