Engine Cam/Crank Seal Tools – Removal and Installation
January 20, 2012 7:49 am 3M Products, How To Auto Repair, oil leaks, Timing Belt
©DenLorsTools.com Summary: Removing camshaft and crankshaft seals without scratching the surface where the seals ride can be a little tricky. A scratch can cause the seal to leak ruining the whole job.
It’s a good idea to change cam and crank seals whenever it’s time to change the timing belt and or water pump. Just because a seal isn’t leaking right now doesn’t mean it won’t start leaking before the timing belt is due to be replaced again. Of course changing the seals for preventive maintenance has some risks too. Scratching the cam or crank where the seal touches can be a costly mistake. Improperly inserting a pick, screwdriver or even a seal puller to remove the seal may end up making a scratch. Seals are designed with tiny swirls to direct the engine oil back inside as the engine turns. Even with this design feature, a scratch where the seal rides can allow the oil to escape.
When cleaning the cam or crank so that the seal has a clean surface to ride, a common mistake is using sand paper or rough emery cloth. This may cause scratches! One of the best ways to clean oil deposits off aluminum engine parts is with 3M Scotch Brite General Purpose Pads. Plenty of grime cleaning power without as much chance of causing the surfaces to be too rough to seal properly. Attention to detail can really pay off. Who wants to do the job all over again right? Finish up with a little brake clean and a shop rag.
It’s great to have more tools available for removing and installing seals like the Private Brand Seal Tool Kit PN 70960, pictured at the top of this article. However, I remember years ago using a method to remove seals that was definitely NOT “text book” but worked fairly well. If a seal wouldn’t pop out easily, this is what I did; Drilled a tiny hole in the seal being very careful not to let the drill bit “walk” and touch the cam or crank. Once the small hole was drilled, a little sheet metal screw could be inserted, threading it in with a screw driver. With the screw in place (sticking in the seal), a pair of side cutters can be used to grab the screw and pull the seal out. Maybe not the easiest or professional looking way to get a seal out, but effective. Check other great seal tools in the link below.
Related Links
Seal Tools
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