Engine oil leaking from camshaft oil seal

JohnCKL · Post by **JohnCKL** » 25 Jun 2010, 07:07

Hi, I have a 96 Xantia 1.9TD which has a leaky camshaft oil seal. I've replaced that oil seal 3-4 times and after a few weeks it will leak again. It happened ever since I sent my car for an engine overhaul. Now even the top engine cover leaks oil, even after changing the rubber gasket. Any suggestions?

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 25 Jun 2010, 07:46

the oil seal leak could be the cam has worn down were it sit's in the seal,

the leaky cover gasket could be someone has over tightend the cover bolts, and stessed the cover,

do you know of Sujit who lives in Malaysia, and is a citroen enthusiast

regards malcolm

G4EIY · Post by **G4EIY** » 25 Jun 2010, 22:13

Hi John,
Here are few pointers.

1.When you next change the seal:

a)Inspect the camshaft boss, to see if there are any cross marks on the wear ridge, if so the boss will have to be turned down and a ring boss heat shrunk on.

http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... highlight=

b)If the boss is OK, then remove the seal and inspect the rubbing edge with the aid of a magnifying lens, and see if there is any damage the the seal.
If no damage is visible, slip off the spring from the seal, and you will see that it is joined, this is just screwed together, unscrew the spring and cut off about 15mm from the non tapered end, then screw together and re-use.
This will slightly tighten the sealing edge onto the cam boss.

c) Regarding the cam cover leak.

If you inspect the underside of the cam cover, you will notice some protrusions that limit the distance the cover can be closed.
Get a flat piece of glass and stretch some fine wet and dry over the glass, soak with light oil or diesel, then gently rub the underside of the cover over the abrasive paper until all the protrusions are shiny.
This will allow a little extra compression of the gasket.

Good Luck

JohnCKL · Post by **JohnCKL** » 28 Jun 2010, 10:59

Thanks Malcolm and Brian. Yes, I know Surjit and we are going to work on the problems soon. When I realized the leak on the cam cover, the next change of gasket the bolts were not over tightened but still it leaks.

Brian, I will check the camshaft and oil seal. Have to repair it cos of all the oil leaking down, its damaging all the rubber parts below. Will also do the cam cover. Hope your suggestions work.

Thanks guys.

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 28 Jun 2010, 20:15

Surjit is working towards buying my CX 2.5 TRI saffari from me,

regards malcolm

JohnCKL · Post by **JohnCKL** » 01 Jul 2010, 18:47

Oh wow! He's already got quite a collection of 'vintage' cars. lol.