If you have an oil leak that appears to be leaking down as if it’s the Rear Main Seal, but it’s not and has you stumped it might be your rear camshaft seal. Don’t take a mechanic’s or dealer’s word for it that you need your rear main seal replaced at mega bucks when this $10 fix might be all that it is. Thanks lewismug for the great write-up!
You will start by removing the top of the air box, along with the inlet hose to the throttle body. Be careful with the vacuum lines going into the side of the air box top. I broke one of mine and had to replace it.
You will need:
- a 10mm socket and a ratchet
- a flat head screwdriver
- a torx T-25 bit
- and a pair of hemostats or very fine needle nose pliers.
Even 10 valve versions have two seals. One is behind the distributor and the other is behind the cam sensor. I should know, I have two of them!! The B5252S has “Volvo” only on the valve cover.
In my experience, on the 10 valve the seal that plays up the most is the one where the lean of the motor is; the front one, or inlet. The 10 valve rear cam seals are totally different from the 20 valve 5s or 24 valve 6s rear cam seals. They are cupped, like a bowl and very expensive at the dealer. Fortunately, you can land a head gasket set from an eBay UK seller with both front & rear seals made in Germany for the cost of both of them from the dealer.”
Rear Camshaft Seal Replacement
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Last Updated on December 29, 2020
3 Comments
1988 240 DL about 120,000 miles1owner. Rear cam seal? It looks like a freeze plug? Can you just push it back in or do you need to remove the valve cover and anchor it back in. Is there a reason it came out? I have also had a lot of backfiring through the intake. Thank you for your help!
Had to change the front bell housing at the motor now it’s leaking oil any thoughts
i need help with how the timing gear goes on the cam,theres no keyway to set the timing??? somebody help???850-512-7890/danny