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Cam Seal Question?

Discussion in '308/328' started by Big Daddy, Sep 25, 2011.

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  1. Big Daddy

    Big Daddy Karting

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    #1 Big Daddy, Sep 25, 2011
    Referring to my last post, I am hoping that I can replace the cam seal without removing the cam by taking off the timing gear. Does anyone know if that is possible? I can't see what is underneath the cam gear so I don't know if the seal will fit over that end with the gear removed.

    If I cannot install it from that side I guess I will have to remove the cam shaft, install the seal, reinstall the camshaft, align it using the old belt with markings on it, then lock the camshafts using the usual tool and proceed to install the new belt as usual.

    Does anyone know if that is what I am looking at, or can it be done on the belt gear side without removing the camshaft? It seems like the easier way if it is possible.

    I already checked the valve clearance, so I would rather not remove the cam shaft if not necessary.

    Thanks again.
     
  2. MNExotics

    MNExotics F1 Rookie
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    #2 MNExotics, Sep 25, 2011
    the seal can be removed without pullin the cam after the pully is removed but be careful you don't spin the cam when removing the nut or you will be replacing valves. There is an O-ring that seals the pully that will need to be replaced.
     
  3. i-velocita

    i-velocita F1 Rookie
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    #3 i-velocita, Sep 25, 2011
    I think the cam has to come out. Isn't the seal on the inside of the bearing on injected cars?
     
  4. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
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    #4 miketuason, Sep 25, 2011
    You have to remove the cam seal housing
     
  5. Iain

    Iain F1 Rookie

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    #5 Iain, Sep 26, 2011
    +1 & I think the only way to do that is to take the cams out.

    I've seen pictures of it being done on a Testarossa engine with the cams in but the cam seal housing looks to be a different design & seems to bolt onto the front of the head.
     
  6. PV Dirk

    PV Dirk F1 Veteran

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    #6 PV Dirk, Sep 26, 2011
    You are pulling the belts anyway, valve covers coming off I presume, just go the next step and pull the cams, it is fun! It's probably also easier to adjust the valves with the cams out.
     
  7. Iain

    Iain F1 Rookie

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    #7 Iain, Sep 26, 2011
    Much - once you've measured them all BEFORE removing the cams! :)
     
  8. PV Dirk

    PV Dirk F1 Veteran

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    #8 PV Dirk, Sep 26, 2011
    Very important indeed. I still have my chart from measuring them all before, then all the math, then the measurements after all put together.
     
  9. Big Daddy

    Big Daddy Karting

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    #9 Big Daddy, Sep 26, 2011
    As I mentioned in the original post, I already checked the valve clearances and they were all within spec so I was hoping to avoid pulling the cams both because of the extra work and the increased change of reinstalling them wrong and causing damage.

    As I noted the cam seals are accessible from the front of the head. The timing gear must be removed from the shaft. If there is no other impediment the seals will slip over the end of the shaft and press it. I just don't know if there is any protrusion on the end of the shaft itself that is larger than the seal.

    Since there seems to be a differance of opinion I guess I will just have to remove the gear and see for myself.

    Thanks.
     
  10. Iain

    Iain F1 Rookie

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    #10 Iain, Sep 26, 2011
    Last edited: Sep 26, 2011
    OK but how are you going to undo the nuts on the end of the camshafts and then, more importantly, torque them back up again?! I'm not sure there is room to get an impact wrench in there, which is probably what you'll need to undo the things.

    Removing the camseals from their housings is also no picnic (and nor is pressing in the new ones). Having done the job on the bench this year there is no way I'd attempt it on the car.
     
  11. fastradio

    fastradio F1 Rookie
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    #11 fastradio, Sep 26, 2011
    The OP, according to his profile, has a 2-valve car, hence no cam seals housing like your 328. (I agree 100% about the 308qv/328 cam seals/removal from housing is best done off the car.)

    On a 2V car, there is no reason to remove the cams to replace the seal.
     
  12. Iain

    Iain F1 Rookie

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    #12 Iain, Sep 26, 2011
    Stand corrected then - good spot!
     
  13. waymar

    waymar Formula 3

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    #13 waymar, Sep 26, 2011
    +1 Just remove the cam gear on the 2v to replace the cam seal - I did mine with the cam cover off while adjusting the valves. I used sealant on the outside of the seals.
     
  14. Big Daddy

    Big Daddy Karting

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    #14 Big Daddy, Sep 26, 2011
    That is exactly the info I was looking for. Did you have any trouble removing the cam gear?
     

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