Cam seal leak

1st_Volvo · Post by **1st_Volvo** » 08 Feb 2012, 08:32

Does anyone know how to identify a cam seal leak?

Thanks!

1st_Volvo · Post by **1st_Volvo** » 12 Feb 2012, 10:08

Anyone?????

Post by **jblackburn** » 12 Feb 2012, 11:37

Look for oil coming out one of the 4 covers on the cams.

Behind the distributor, behind the cam sensor (both on the drivers side) or from behind the timing belt gears.

1st_Volvo · Post by **1st_Volvo** » 12 Feb 2012, 20:57

How about oil coating the inside of the timing belt cover be evidence of a cam seal leak?

Thanks jblackburn!

Post by **jblackburn** » 12 Feb 2012, 22:26

Yes, that's definitely an indication. Mine were leaking on the belt, and oil usually weakens rubber. I'm not sure how long it had been leaking, but it made it 3 years/the full 70,000 miles it was supposed to (time-wise, belts are supposed to last up to 7 yrs). But if your belt has been covered in oil, I would definitely advise replacing it too.

1st_Volvo · Post by **1st_Volvo** » 13 Feb 2012, 11:08

Thank you very much!!!! I'll definitely work on that too...

hobbitwho · Post by **hobbitwho** » 18 Feb 2012, 10:53

My 1.9T was leaking by the Variable Actuator (Back Left of the Head as looking in), the problem I had was the NEW AFTERMARKET Cam Seal was not the right size and had to be replaced again with the seal from VOLVO.

1st_Volvo · Post by **1st_Volvo** » 19 Feb 2012, 18:11

Thanks hobbitwho. That sounds like the area I'm seeing oil leaking.

Just found out that the head gasket is blown; hydrocarbons in the coolant, wetness in the #4 cylinder, and coolant pressurized after running for 1 minute.

Jim