kary4th

It looks as if it's coming from the spot indicated by the arrows in the images below. Note that the photo was taken from beneath, while I had the alternator out.

Have any of you guys dealt with this before? Is the problem likely the o-ring at the end of the cam cover, or is there something else there that I'm not aware of?

If it's the o-ring, can I get to it without removing the entire cam cover & replacing all the other gaskets involved in doing so?

Any experience would be appreciated.

devilinblack

I just fixed that on mine a week ago! I was doing the timing belt anyway so I figured I'd replace all the seals. There's cam seal where the cam exits the flange bit and two O-rings. They're all pretty cheap and as far as I know Roger has them in stock. I've heard that there are two sizes for the large O-rings depending on year, so make sure you get the right ones.

Remove the timing belt, and cam gears, remove the three bolts that hold the cam flange (12) to the cam tower and replace the seal and O-rings and reassemble. It was actually pretty easy and my car's been leak free for two weeks! Sounds trivial but you haven't seen my driveway.

One of the PO's had tried to seal this leak with what looks like the spray on sealant. It didn't work.

Here's the cam flange removed and you can see the big O ring.


Notice that the O ring is smashed/dry/brittle. This is where the oil is coming from.


Front of the shaft with the flange removed.


If I were you I'd replace both sides, it's easy enough to do once you get the timing belt off.

LightStriker

Always the common possibility that it's your power steering line dripping oil on your cam.
Was for me... Quite annoying cuz it can catch fire.

Or maybe not. That motor can leak oil by a thousand place.

kary4th

Excellent - nice job taking photos, by the way. I really appreciate it.

Landseer

Ditto. That's exactly where mine leaked and how I fixed it.

There are two little O-rings between the mickey mouse ear housing and the side of the head. Plus a large O ring on the outside of the flange and a medium sized Oring that fits inside the part of the flange that surrounds the end of the cam shaft. In addition, there is a lipped seal.

Do both sides. Consider buying a few extra of the medium sized O-ring. They are inexpensive. But, you might need to assemble / reassemble a few times to get it right and its good to have a spare. An extra lipped seal might be worthwhile too.

Check also the PET for any distributor shaft seals. Might be best to do this too.