Does the cam shaft need to come apart to properly replace the seal or can it be ‘hammered ‘ in?

Are you talking camshaft bearings or rear main seal?

Rear main seal

On 7/22/2018 at 5:37 AM, Robbin said:

Does the cam shaft need to come apart to properly replace the seal or can it be ‘hammered ‘ in?

 

On 7/23/2018 at 11:30 PM, Robbin said:

Rear main seal

No - you can replace the rear main seal without removing the camshaft. Its still a ton of work though.  It does require removing the engine from the car, draining the coolant and oil from the engine, and partially disassembling the motor. You have to remove the water pump, crank dampener, front timing cover, and removing the timing chain (note the timing marks or put the motor to TDC and note the timing marks). Flip the motor over and remove the oil pan. Remove the main caps. Now slow and carefully move the crank upwards with the pistons still attached. You only want about 1/4 - 1/2 inch of movement.

Now you can get to the rear main seal and replace it. Push the pistons and crank back down. Lube the main caps and torque them to spec. Reattach the oil pan. Insure the motor timing is correct and re-attach the timing chain and front timing cover and water pump. Install the crank dampener. Reinstall the engine in the car, remember to add new oil and coolant and double check everything.

Edited July 25, 20187 yr by Frosty

Thank you for the information! I hope my mechanic can do a better job this time.

When you replace the rear main seal replace it with a newer one from Butler which is either a 1 or 2 piece seal made of neoprean (sp), as the old rope seal will leak again on you as they all do. The one from Butlers is about $ 40.00 but well worth it. 

Butler uses the BOP seal. Use the 2 piece BOP seal. BOP themselves admit they have better luck with them than the 1 piece seal they make.