jhakewill Posted October 25, 2004 Share Posted October 25, 2004 Hi All, Back in march I rebuilt the top end of the 2.5L motor in my girlfriend's 96 Legacy Outback - including replacing the camshaft oil seals. After a couple of months, it started pouring oil from the bottom of the timing cover - just after the motor was stopped. Having now pulled it apart again, it seems that three of the four camshaft oil seals had come out of their holes - either partially or completely. The oil was coming from the exhaust cam on the left-hand bank. When I put the motor together, I did mistakenly put sealant around the oil seals before putting them in - my stupidity plus the confusing service manual. After realising my mistake, I removed them (by taking out the cams), cleaned up the holes and re-inserted. (Using a big socket for those that are interested). So now I'm not sure exactly *why* they popped out - I can think of these reasons (in my order of preference): 1. The oil seals suffered from being removed and refitted. 2. The holes for the oil seals had some residual goop which allowed them to slide out. 3. Maybe the holes in the head are oversize - the old seals go in pretty easily. 3. Maybe I didn't put grease on the lips when I put them in. 4. Something plugging up an oilway, thus blowing out the seal. 5. Pixes living in the timing cover. Suggestions on why they came out, and how to make sure they stay in would be welcome.. Thanks, James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commuter Posted October 25, 2004 Share Posted October 25, 2004 Did you use Subaru or aftermarket seals? I recall Emily of CCR saying (about 2 or 3 years ago) that for whatever reason, aftermarket seals just don't seem to fit / perform properly with Subaru engines. Commuter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adnan Posted October 25, 2004 Share Posted October 25, 2004 Hi, Must be those pesky pixies.... My recollection is that oil seals are not to be re-used. They rely on some small amount of "crimping" to seat and seal on their OD, kind of a crush effect. If re-seated, they will be loose. That's why you are finding the seals a loose fit, now. I suspect that's your problem. Of course, adding a sealant doesn't help, as you have to make sure the surface is very clean. Hopefully, you used a non-hardening type of product, like Hylomar. BTW, don't grease the gland when you insert, just a light coat of engine oil is all that's needed. Keep in mind that grease can attack and degrade rubber, unless you used, specifically, rubber grease. I think you'll be fine with new seals. Don't you just hate when a $5 item requires all that work? Look at it this way, you'll be able to do this in no time at all, with the practice you've had taking the front apart! If all else fails, it may be time to get a new girlfriend :-) Regards, Adnan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhakewill Posted October 25, 2004 Author Share Posted October 25, 2004 Thanks for the comments! I'm hoping the new seals will work better, and that the problem was just that the old ones got pushed in and out a few times. The seals were genuine Subaru parts btw, as are the replacements. James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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