Cam/crank seal removal tool?

[pkc303]

A bit better explaination would help. Why is there a thumb wheel adjustment?

[precopster]

I recently scratched a exhaust camshaft due to trying to drill it when the drill slipped. Tried everything including putting the seal in backwards but couldn't clear the scratch and it kept leaking. I think most of us know how long a top end reseal takes.

Recently I changed the RMS in the 2001 XC70 and very carefully drilled it and put in a very small screw.
Would have used a better tool if it was within reach. Very interested to see what Robert comes up with.

[scot850]

The thumbwheel adjustment is to allow moving the 'leg' to a position where it has something to rest on to allow it to pivot. This is what gives you the leverage to pull the seal.

There are youtube videos for this if you look up the tool part number.





Neil.

[gordo850turbo]

I used a paint can opener that I shortened for the exhaust cam. The intake cam had enough room. I made a post last year with pictures. Basically it is free, they come with any purchase of paint. Downside is you need a welder to shorten it.

[bmdubya1198]

When I did my rear cam seals, I had good luck carefully hammering in a straight pick. From there, I took an angled pick in the hole I made and pulled the seal out. If you're gentle with it and don't start hitting the camshaft or the head, it works great. I tried using a screw, but that just slipped. I have probably 3 screws that might still be hanging around my engine bay because of that.

[JimBee]

The drywall screw removal technique has always worked for me, though I agree you need to be careful to keep the (1/8" ? ) drill bit centered so you don't scratch the sides of the seat. The right angle drill driver (Harbor Freight) facilitates access to the drivers side exhaust seal.
http://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-90-a ... 69337.html

Use of silicone spray helps the new seal to slide on the shaft and into the sides of the cylinder head bore quite easily. Recessing the seal with an appropriate size pvc fitting helps to get it into position—about 1/8" beyond the tapered face of the seal bore?

[cn90]

1+,

My are my 2 cents. People need to look up how a seal is constructed: basically a metal shell cover with + rubber (or Nitrile etc.), garter spring to keep the seal's lip tight. Also, look up the bore side and shaft side.

1. For the casual "Saturday mechanic" (which is true for most of us), sheet metal screw is fine. Just drill using the smallest bit and keep it centered.
Damage to the shaft side is a big no-no.
Damage to the bore is is a bit more forgiving.
What you want to drill is through the seal's metal cup.

2. The paint can is nice but one needs welding experience to cut and weld etc. Or go to local muffler shop and ask them to weld for you.

3. I bought the Lisle tool and it is very well-made.
For $15, it is a steal, make sure you have an extra tip in case it is broke (some seal is very very tight from years in service!).
So, invest in $15 and you will be happy forever lol.

[lcc014]

Quick question, those rear cam seals (intake or exhaust) are recessed. How do we insert the Lisle tool (hook) into inner side of seal ? I am going to do the intake cam seal as it has small oil leak.

Thanks.

[bmdubya1198]

It seems it would be very hard to get something in the edge of the seal without scratching up the camshaft or the bore. Just had this problem on my cousin's car last week (don't install these seals backwards... it saves a major headache for the replacement as well as a major oil leak). Hammering in a pick is still the best way I've been able to do it.

Before I get yelled at, the backwards installation was an honest mistake to be made with a cheap, badly designed Autozone seal!

[scot850]

I have not had an opportunity to need to use it on the rear cam seals yet. So not sure how well it would work as it has a curved lip that needs to get under the seal. Sorry to not be able to answer this question for sure.

Neil