With about 200 miles on rebuilt heads, it appears the cam seal on the passenger side is leaking.

 

any idea on what I might have done wrong when installing the new seal? Don't want to repeat the mistake when I replace it.

 

BTW, it is on the 00 Impreza with phase 2 heads.

OEM seal?

 

What did you install it with?

if it's an aftermarket seal i would suspect that's your problem. i've had problems, and so have others, with aftermarket seals.

 

if it's a subaru seal then probably either the surface is scarred, check for marks or a gouge from someone previous removing a seal. or you just got unlucky with it no seating evenly or dirt.

OEM seal?

 

What did you install it with?

 

 

I used a short length of PVC pipe to tap it in.

Yes, it is an aftermarket seal.

I it leaking from the rubber or around the outside of the sleeve? It's best to put a thin smear of sealer around the outer part of the seal before installing it to prevent leaks between the bore and sleeve.

I it leaking from the rubber or around the outside of the sleeve? It's best to put a thin smear of sealer around the outer part of the seal before installing it to prevent leaks between the bore and sleeve.

 

 

Haven't got that far yet. I just see it dripping from the bottom of the timing cover on that side below the cam pulley.

I use PVC fitting all the time. And OEM seals. Never had a problem. I could just be lucky. But I'd suspect the seal first, and a score second. You can look for a score when you install the OEM seal.

yeah check the cam surface for oil build up or a groove worn from the previous seal. grease the inner part of the seal before installation.

Before you tear it apart check your powersteering pump. They will leak and make it look like the passenger cam is leaking.

yeah check the cam surface for oil build up or a groove worn from the previous seal. grease the inner part of the seal before installation.

Before you tear it apart check your powersteering pump. They will leak and make it look like the passenger cam is leaking.

 

 

Wow, I just got done looking at it more closely and it appears to be a power steering pump leak. So.. what is the drill on that? Is it usually the shaft seal?

 

I don't see any lines leaking.

PS leak is common.

 

PS fluid is red.

 

Oil is brown.