Need help replacing front cam seal on 2005 S60 2.5T

Post by **jimsherrill** » 02 Apr 2013, 20:48

While replacing the timing belt I found that the front exhaust (rear) cam seal is leaking. Anyone seen a good set of instructions or video on replacing the seal. Visually, I cant tell how to safely remove the cam sprocket without possibly losing timing. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Post by **chrism** » 04 Apr 2013, 06:45

They make a cam alignment tool that holds the rear ends of both cams in the correct position while you remove the sprocket(s) from the front end. Each cam has a slot in the rear end that is horizontal when the marks are aligned on the sprockets. However, the intake cam slot is slightly offset ABOVE the cam centerline while the exhaust cam slot is slightly BELOW center. So both slots are horizontal and parallel to each other but they are not exactly on the same plane. Therefore, the correct alignment tool will have a tab that fits into each slot but the tabs will be ever so slightly offset from each other. Simply using a straight bar that runs through both slots will result in both cams being slightly retarded. If you are a resourceful type, you could measure how far each cam's slot is offset from center and you could fabricate your own tool. Of course you would want the tabs to fit close tolerance in the slots.

Post by **jimsherrill** » 04 Apr 2013, 10:26

Thanks, chrism. Do you know where I can find the tool? What is it called?

Also, mine has Variable Valve Timing (VVT) which includes a hub on each cam sprocket. I'm not sure how to remove the cam sprocket. Do I remove the sprocket bolts from their slotted holes or do I remove the center torx bolt from the hub? I'm afraid that I might loosen the wrong one and send vvt parts flying out of the hub and never get it back together again.

Post by **chrism** » 05 Apr 2013, 08:57

To save my life, I can't find the tool you need sold by itself. I can only find it as part of a larger set that includes tools used for a complete head R&R, etc. ($300+):

http://www.usatoolwarehouse.com/usatool ... -V500.html

The tool you need is the piece on the center RH side in the above link. I believe you can get it through your local Volvo dealer parts counter, but who knows the price. I'd give them a call just for the fun of it - sometimes they surprise you.

As far as the sprocket R&R procedure, that is uncharted territory for me. I'm fairly new to the white block engines and have not yet had to remove any cam sprockets - just read a little bit about it though to understand the spockets aren't keyed to the cam shafts. I've replaced the timing belts on both my wife's 2005 S80 2.5T and my 2003 V70 2.4 NA and to be honest I don't recall if either one had that type of VVT hub arrangement. Neither one had leaky seals so I didn't concern myself with it. I see in your photo where your's is slinging oil. Make sure your PCV system is holding negative pressure in the crankcase. It's a common issue in these cars for the ventilation plumbing to plug up and that can lead to oil being pushed through crank and cam seals.

Check out the link below. It leads to several pdf's of pages from a repair manual that describe the oil seal replacement procedure. One of those pages also describes how to make your own alignment tool if you can't locate one. Good luck!

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 10&t=26251

Post by **jimsherrill** » 05 Apr 2013, 11:26

Those PDF files are quite helpful.

Next question: Assuming the oil problem is the PVC, which I have read in a number of places, whats the chance of the oil problem going away by correcting the PVC problem but not replacing the cam seal?

jda2000 · Post by **jda2000** » 05 Apr 2013, 12:22

Correcting the PVC problem alone won't fix the leak now. I know, I just went thru the same issue last month in my 2001 V70 T5. You need to replace all cam seals, front and back (4 in total) since the area will be open when you use the cam timing lock tool on the back of the cams.

I bought the tool for the job since nobody rents it out. I can sell you the tool for $125 shipped or rent it to you for $35 plus $100 deposit. The tool is brand new (used for 1 job

) made in the USA

Post by **chrism** » 05 Apr 2013, 15:36

I'm afraid jda2000 is probably right. If it's leaking very much or has been for quite a while, you're probably looking at a seal replacement. However, the PCV system does need to be checked and serviced if needed. If it were me, I'd be inclined to take care of the PCV side of the house first so that don't risk going to the trouble of installing a new seal just to possibly blow it out due to crankcase pressure.

BTW, here's a link to what I experienced recently when servicing the PCV on the wife's 2005 S80 2.5T:

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =9&t=54449

bw77 · Post by **bw77** » 06 Apr 2013, 04:31

Good writeup on front cam seal replacement here:

http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/topic/15 ... ng-timing/

Cameron115 · Post by **Cameron115** » 16 Aug 2014, 07:50

I recently did an overdue pcv on a 2.5t with 150k. Ran great after and had great suction, but then it started leaking after. Now i havent taken it apart yet thats my job today but i noticed drips near the timing covers and one in the front of the motor near the pvc. Possible cam seal leak?

Twalk00 · Post by **Twalk00** » 20 Oct 2016, 07:55

jda2000 wrote:Correcting the PVC problem alone won't fix the leak now. I know, I just went thru the same issue last month in my 2001 V70 T5. You need to replace all cam seals, front and back (4 in total) since the area will be open when you use the cam timing lock tool on the back of the cams.

I bought the tool for the job since nobody rents it out. I can sell you the tool for $125 shipped or rent it to you for $35 plus $100 deposit. The tool is brand new (used for 1 job ) made in the USA

JDA2000- If you still have the tool and are willing to rent/sell it I would be interested. My beloved 2001 S60 T5 has blown a cam seal and I'm having a hard time justifying the cost of a new tool that I'll only use once (or dealer repair cost).

Thanks