Cam seal leakage?

Paul Orr · Post by **Paul Orr** » 10 Sep 2011, 23:34

Hi Guy's
after changing the head gasket on a 1996 850 turbo and starting the car and letting run for about 15-20m minutes I noticed oil leaking from the timing belt side?

It appeared at the top end and not the lower end so I thought and still do that it was a cam seal leak? After checking it I noticed possible damage to the newly installed cam seal at the bottom of the intake came/front. So I bought a new one and removed the existing one.

While cleaning around it I could see what looks like a missing part or a hole in the head under the intake cam? Is this suppose to look like this is it a port hole for circulation?

I am Attaching several photos for review

: possible hole?

: Cam Seal Damage?

[img][img][/img][/img]
PS I had a machine shop pressure test it and mill it and give it new value and exhaust sleeves? I would assume they would have noticed if it were wrong?

Post by **erikv11** » 11 Sep 2011, 00:38

Cam seal looks damaged, agree with that.

I know there is supposed to be a small hole but that doesn't look right. Looks much bigger than I remember and too uneven. I have a spare head in pieces in the garage but I'm not at home. If you don't have a clear answer by tomorrow night I will take a look at it and let you know what I see.

Paul Orr · Post by **Paul Orr** » 11 Sep 2011, 02:46

That would be appreciated!!!

Post by **precopster** » 11 Sep 2011, 07:42

The photos below are from a 960 head which uses the same casting plus two cylinders. As you can see there are breather holes which appear to be rather more well defined than yours in shape.

Also you can see that one of my cam journals had a large chip in it but it ran fine with no leaks. Make sure you use OEM seals NOT SCANTECH as they either don't fit or leak. Elring would probably be the next best in my opinion but considering the cost of a seal in comparison to the work needed to get it out use OEM to be sure.

Paul Orr · Post by **Paul Orr** » 11 Sep 2011, 12:02

Thanks for the pictures it makes me feel better putting it back together, I was unclear if it was just a break in the head or a breather of sorts. Although yours are more defined in shape. I will be using OME on that cam for sure.

Post by **erikv11** » 11 Sep 2011, 12:56

I think they are meant to serve as drain holes, for oil? Another reason to ensure you install the seal flush with the outer surface, not all the way back against the journals.

Post by **JimBee** » 11 Sep 2011, 15:13

Is the installation "flush with the outer surface" expertly confirmed?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 11 Sep 2011, 16:21

Yes.

There is room to get it in a bit further but there is no need to do so.

...Lee

whoa · Post by **whoa** » 11 Sep 2011, 18:03

Yeah those holes are not confidence-inspiring. But mine has them too.