cjd160

Thanks for all the info! Just wanted to share a great link I found on the subject: http://www.jasperengines.com/pdf/RTVAnaerobicSealerTB.pdf Still doesn't get into specifics!

if you're feeling adventurous...i punched (with a drill punch) two small holes on either side of the crank to get through the metal backing on the seal (just enough to get into the seal not the whole way through) - then screwed two very small self tapping sheet metal screws into those holes (again be careful to not go the whole way through) This allows you to get a grip and work the seal out with pliers by alternately pulling on each side. Don't try this if you're not sure cuz if you scratch the seal contact surface, you're screwed:lol: no pun intended!

sorry for the confusion...i should say "camshaft bearing cap closest to the timing belt" or as i like to say camshaft endcap this is on a 2.5L engine with DOHC. This setup doesn't have an oring - just a camshaft seal similar to the crank. Two pieces of metal sandwich the seal and last bearing surface on the cam The Haynes manual states "apply a small amount of anaerobic sealant to the number one camshaft cap sealing surface - do not apply excessive sealant or it may flow into the oil seal area and oil leaks may develop" Well I did just that and when I took it apart there was no trace of sealant at all! I'm trying to nail down exactly what it was that I did wrong...in my experience the devil is always in the details:headbang:

Yeah that makes sense. I used gasket remover to clean the surfaces and I think that may have left a residue. I'll be sure to follow up with brake cleaner this time. Gasket remover works wonders to clean carbon deposits off the heads by the way. Thanks for all the help. P.S. Its a wonder that the sealant/gasket companies don't have more literature out there for the amateurs or do-it-yourselfers. I guess they just expect you to learn by trial and error. Does anybody know of a good link to more in-depth knowledge on this stuff?

the end cap is metal! I'm talking about the last bearing cap in front on the end of the camshaft.

Please help!!! I recently replaced the timing belt, head gaskets, valve cover seals, crank seal, & cam seals, on my 97 EJ25. I got it all back together and noticed a pretty good oil leak coming from the valve covers. So....I took it all back apart again and found that the sealant I used (permatex anaerobic gasket maker) had completely vanished from the camshaft end caps. In it's place was the smoking gun - a film of oil between machined surfaces of the head and cap. Obviously I'm not very experienced at using sealants! What did I do wrong? I cleaned the surfaces well and used a small amount spreading it evenly over the surfaces. I found some posts saying to use ultra-grey. Does this stuff require removing all traces of oil before applying? If so, how do you lube the cams and install them without getting lube/oil in the sealant? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

97 Outback wagon 2.5 dohc I was wondering if anybody has had experience with the inexpensive timing belt component kit from Autozone. It says its made by Crp (hope it's not short for Crap!) Includes the three idler pulleys, tensioner, tensioner pulley, and timing belt for $260. I believe this is significantly cheaper than buying all OEM from what I've seen (unless I'm looking on the wrong site). I know what you're all going to say...but, has anybody tried the cheap route? If so, how many miles did you get and how has it held up? I originally posted this in the wrong forum (my first post) and someone suggested Ebay.