02 XC CamSeals

JeffHicks · Post by **JeffHicks** » 28 Jul 2014, 09:00

So I found the source of my massive oil leak. Front intake cam seal. It was out far enough that I just used my fingernail to pull it the rest of the way off the shaft...

I'm assuming a plugged PCV Oil Trap is the cause, so obviously I'll replace that.

What I'm REALLY hoping is that I have no problem with the exhaust cam front seal, because of the VVT pulley on that. From everything I've read, messing with that VVT system can be a real nightmare.

If I DO end up having to replace the exhaust cam front seal, do you have any specific pointers regarding doing the procedure successfully? THANK YOU.

Post by **vtl** » 28 Jul 2014, 09:48

Just replace every part of PCV. You may need to drop the sump if PCV return oil passage is clogged way too much.

draser · Post by **draser** » 29 Jul 2014, 07:19

Well, you neen to do several things. Align all marks for timing belt change. Place your marks on cam sprokets since you will remove and they're not keyed. I would remove the caps at the other end of camshafts and lock the slots horizontal as well.

JeffHicks · Post by **JeffHicks** » 30 Jul 2014, 17:15

Thanks for the input, guys!

I put in the new seal, and simply replaced the timing belt to see if I had things right, and got the leak stopped. Car runs fine, and no oil leak.

I also did the latex glove test on the oil filler hole and found that I have no pressure there. Does this mean that the PCV Oil Trap is indeed NOT plugged? What gives?

Post by **vtl** » 30 Jul 2014, 19:34

You need to do the same test at higher RPMs too (>=2500).

Seals don't come out on their own.

JeffHicks · Post by **JeffHicks** » 02 Aug 2014, 12:59

vtl wrote:You need to do the same test at higher RPMs too (>=2500).

Seals don't come out on their own.

Earlier today I was out fiddling with the car again (between mowing & trimming the lawn...). Did the glove test, ran the rpms up & held them there, idled, etc. The only thing the latex glove does is suck into the engine a little bit. To clarify, it creates a concave shape, but doesn't get sucked into the engine.

From everything I've read - and from what my other V70 does - it seems that this is exactly what should be happening.

I can certainly go the whole 9 yards with an all-new PCV Oil Trap system, but really don't want to if it's not necessary.

Your thoughts? Anyone?

Post by **chrism** » 02 Aug 2014, 13:25

Sounds like it's working OK.

I don't know about the white block engines, but on the old red blocks it was not unusual to buy an aftermarket cam seal that didn't fit snug enough at the outside diameter,