Camshaft oil seal installation

Question

Most people install new camshaft seals after they have assembled camshaft covers. They use a special tool (or a PVC pipe) and tap the seal gently into place with a hammer.

This is the most common method.

I have a question about using another method. I'm going to replace my hydraulic lifters. To access them, I have to remove all caps and when I remove camshafts, I can remove the old seals quite easily but what about installing the new seals?

Is it a bad idea to put new seals on camshafts first and put everything back together next? By doing this, I don't even need a hammer and a PVC pipe. I have seen mechanics do it this way like in the following video between 2:24 and 2:48.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yz42qw8c358

The above video is not about my car but is very similar.

I was also thinking about using this method because there is not enough room between the engine and the chassis to use a hammer. If I use this method, I can install the seals much easier. Is this a wrong method? Should I avoid it? Please enlighten me.

Answer 1

There shouldn't be an issue with doing this ... with three caveats.

1. When installing the seal, you need to ensure it is completely perpendicular to the camshaft. If you don't, it's going to leak.
2. I see in the video he has the seal deeper in the slot then I would. I would try to keep it closer to the outside (more closer to flush). You DO NOT want it to bottom out in the groove, because this will most likely cause issues and leak.
3. Ensure you DO NOT nick the surface of the seal on either where it rides on the cam or on the face where it sits in the groove. Either way will absolutely cause leakage.

Why do I say "leakage"? Because, if it leaks, it becomes a huge issue to change these out again.

Also, in the video, it appears he puts some oil on the outside surface of the seal. I'd put oil on the outside as well as the lip which goes against the camshaft. This will help it to not get nicked as well as for it slide into position easier. A dry seal is a bad way to start an engine. It will usually tear it up.

Bottom line, this shouldn't be an issue, just be careful.