Recommended Camshaft seal lubricant? Topic is solved

93SCMax · Post by **93SCMax** » 09 Mar 2021, 07:04

I need to replace my intake camshaft seals. I've read thru the forum and watched a few YouTube videos so I'm preparing to tackle the task. What is the recommended lubricant to apply on the camshaft and inner camshaft seal? I have Lubriplate 105 on hand, any experience with it on the inner seal or do I need something specific?

I understand no lubricant is recommended for the outer seal ring?

Thank you.

chris11211 · Post by **chris11211** » 09 Mar 2021, 11:34

I'm not understanding the question entirely. Do you mean the camshaft seal rings? If so, then all you need is motor oil and something to tap it in. If you are talking about removing the head of the engine then sealing it, you'd need anaerobic gasket sealer.

93SCMax · Post by **93SCMax** » 09 Mar 2021, 12:01

Yes, camshaft seal rings, front and rear. I've put them in other cars in the past with oil, but a recent YouTube video suggested red line assembly lube and no lube on the outer edge of the seal ring (against the head), only lube the inner seal ring and camshaft. I thought that with the experience in this forum, I'd ask what has worked (ie. long term success w/o leak) for some of the pros here.

Post by **cn90** » 09 Mar 2021, 14:55

- On the BORE side, it seals by friction, some people us a tiny tiny bit of black RTV sealant to help hold it in place. Probably not necessary but does not hurt. It seals by press-fit (pressure).

- On the SHAFT side, engine oil is good enough. To prevent the lip folding over, just ROTATE it during insertion until it hits the bore of the cylinder head.
Verify that it has not "folded over" (This happened to my 1998 S70 GLT and subsequently leaked a lot of oil!) before hammering it in.
Use appropriate adapter (most often some kind of PVC coupler that is just a tad smaller than the Bore Diameter.

- Make sure you take photos of the factory position. Usually, the seal sits about 2mm from the edge.
Look CAREFULLY to be sure it is in the same spot, otherwise, it can leak.

- I am doing the cam seals on my 2005 XC90 2.5T and plan to post some tricks soon, if you can wait.

- Otherwise, you can search forum for the trick in my 1998 S70 GLT Timing Belt job that I did almost 9 yrs ago in 2012 or so...The difference between P80 and P2 cars is in the the fact the P2 cars have VVT(s) and need the rear side locked with appropriate tools.

viewtopic.php?t=53722

Post by **cn90** » 09 Mar 2021, 16:04

While I have done a few P80 cam seals (1998 S70 GLT, 1998 V70), I have NOT done the same seals on my 2005 XC90 2.5T with 122K miles yet.

Here are what I have gathered in terms of parts and tools, waiting for a good day to do it.
Well, the oil leak happened in cold weather Dec-Jan.
Somehow, it has slowed down now the weather is warming up, so I am NOT in a hurry to do it...

Attached are photos of the Cam Seals (Front and Rear).

Also shown is the "special tool" I made from Plumbing PVC Coupler.
BEST is to bring your front cam seal to hardware store and find the best fit, then cut the PVC Coupler down so it is only 1/2 inches in thickness (the space is tight in there). No room for a hammer so you have to be creative...In the P80: I used the sprocket to slowly drive the seal in (see the DIY above). In the P2, I have not figured out how to drive it in (yet)...

Please report back your tips/tricks, I want to learn...

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Post by **cn90** » 09 Mar 2021, 16:18

For those who have done the Cam Seals on the P2 cars, what tool/technique do you use?

93SCMax · Post by **93SCMax** » 09 Mar 2021, 16:56

cn90, thank you for your input.

As far as the factory front intake side position, it's popped out, hence the leak, so I can't check the factory position. I've asked so I avoid another leak after reinstall. I've got the Corteco camshaft seals on order and just want to have everything ready when it arrives. A Subaru camshaft seal ring video suggested a 1 1/4 PVC siphon plug as a special tool (for under $2) for the front side. When the seal rings arrive, I'll double check what sizes I need as installation tools. Thanks for your input...no need to spend $25 for a special camshaft seal ring install tool. My biggest concern is correct lubrication so I don't have a tear or fold.

Post by **cn90** » 09 Mar 2021, 17:02

Actually, for your 2001 intake cam seal, use the PVC Coupler + Cam Sprocket.
Please see the DIY I posted above, the trick is there.

The video below from a 2001 S60 also shows some tricks too:

93SCMax · Post by **93SCMax** » 13 Mar 2021, 12:42

Front intake camshaft seal replaced. Leak free now but I'll keep an eye on it for the next few thousand miles. Rear seal will be next after I buy rubber gloves and do another "glove test".

Thanks CN90 for your input.