Leaking Cam Seals - 3000GT/Stealth International Message Center

akotten · 07-29-2010, 08:24 PM

So after rebuilding my engine, I noticed an oil leak was present. After further investigation, it turns out to be the new cam oil seals I put in. So....after tearing everything apart to take a look, I pulled the seals and reinstalled them with a little more rtv around the outer edges. After starting the motor this time, the oil leak was still there and began soaking the timing belt with oil. So, I just tore everything apart again and noticed that the oil is leaking out of the inside part of the seal, where there is no RTV (and shouldnt be).

In the mean time, I discovered that I had the vacuum lines connected incorrectly. Basically my valve covers were not getting any vacuum and the lower intake vacuum hose was capped, so I fixed all of the errors.

My question is then, are my seals leaking because of incorrect vacuum lines and is it worth a shot to install a fresh timing belt (which I already have) and see if it leak disappears with proper vacuum?

Thanks for any help guys!
Alex

Stealthee · 07-29-2010, 08:34 PM

They are probably leaking due to being set to incorrect depth. I made the same mistake once. Set the cam seals too deep and they leaked worse than before I replaced them.

akotten · 07-29-2010, 08:35 PM

right, that was the case the first time. So I reset them to proper depth and resealed everything up. Still leaking though

Intropy · 07-29-2010, 08:38 PM

Which seals did you use (brand)? All four of my brand new seals leaked on this engine until I replaced them with SKFs.

akotten · 07-29-2010, 08:43 PM

Whatever came with 3SX's non-oem overhaul kit.

Engine Gasket Kit Complete DOHC Non-OEM 3000GT/Stealth*-*Mitsubishi 3000GT*/*Dodge Stealth Parts

I already have a brand new set of OEM seals I can try to replace them with if you think that is the problem.

Intropy · 07-29-2010, 08:46 PM

I don't know if that's the problem, but from personal experience I can say that I used the seals out of one of those non-oem kits and all four leaked. Not sure if it was the same kit that 3SX sells.

Went to NAPA and got SKF seals. No more leaks.

akotten · 07-29-2010, 09:02 PM

Hmmm....well in my case I will have to remove both valve covers so I can pull the caps, which means removing the plenum and loosening rear turbo because of custom water lines, so I am trying to avoid that. I'll wait a little bit and see what other people think. I would like to get everythink back together this weekend though.