Installing camshaft seals...........

[simonbuk]

When i picked up a reconditioned head they hadn't tightened the camshafts down as they hadn't got the camshaft end seals.

Just looking at the seals it looks like you can buy tools to correctly and evenly push them into place . If this is the way then i wonder why they didn't torque them down ?

Is there a different way to install them ?

Which would be the correct way of fitting them ?

And tightening it all down is a slow, steady, even, job, slowly tightening the bolts ?

As i picked up this head before Covid times, is it worth getting some new oil to put on the lobes ? (can't remember the name of the stuff, i guess its thicker oil to help protect it in the first few seconds of the engine starting for the first time.)

[dapinky]

Simon,

I have no idea of the 'better' ways of fitting the seals, but if they are slightly lipped, pushing them in may or may not be as good as dropping them in and clamping the cap. It is a while since I have changed any.

I'm surprised that someone couldn't get the seals - they are not unique to the Elan, and are a fairly common part.

Anyway, that is pure conjecture....... you talk about oil for the cam bearings - but you don't mention the hydraulic followers (or are you intending to use the ones from your current engine?). Either way, the 'thicker stuff' you mention is known as "Assembly Lube" and can be either an oil or a grease (if it's a grease it is really just a thicker oil, and there will be no solid compounds in it).

In the past (and it is what I would still do now!) I just use some gear oil in a squirty oil-can. It is thick enough to remain in place during assembly, and will soon dissipate into the 'normal' oil once the engine starts..... it offers protection for those first vital seconds of starting an engine for the first time........ and I squirt it wherever I think it may benefit (bearings, oilways, seals).

Back to the followers - if they are coming out of the head (being re-used) - store them in an oil bath if they are not going straight into a new head. It is worthwhile stripping and cleaning them if you have enough time, as gunk can accumulate inside them. There is a video on the Manuals page of how to rebuild them - it is basically a case of assembly in an oil bath so no air is inside..... this is pretty essential if they have been left out in the dry for any length of time.

In use, they will drain and refill naturally with gravity (tappety sound from the engine on start-up) - but they need to be right on assembly to prevent them sticking open and never working properly.

[simonbuk]

Thank you.

Can't remember why it didn't come with the seals, maybe I was supposed to supply and forgot it they forgot - no idea now.

The head was a second hand head that came complete, taken to an engine builder, inspected and rebuilt. Over 5 years ago now.

If it's been standing for over 5 years do you think the followers need removing then and filling with oil ?

[dapinky]

If it's been standing for over 5 years do you think the followers need removing then and filling with oil ?

I would!

Purely because if it has been standing, the oil will have drained out (probably) or gone a bit sticky. It is a quick and easy job, and for half an hour now, it can save a lot of grief in the initial start-up phase.

[simonbuk]

SJs sell them for 14 quid each not including delivery - that can't be right for a simple seal surely ?

[dapinky]

Couple of quid each from Rockauto........ https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.ph ... ce=0-0-1-1

a local motor factor can probably cross reference them from the Impulse, but if not, and all else fails, then they are on ebay for £16.95 inc P&P - but with 20% off they are cheaper than SJ's

[HJ2]

Long time no see!

If i recall correctly the seals are rubber-like on the circumference
If so: When you fit it and then tighten it down, you will ruin the circumference with the sharp edges + you won't be able to get a good seat anymore as rubber gunk is on the mating surfaces now.

I think I used a large socket to tap it in after tightening the camshafts as per workshop manual.
Tightening the camshaft seats: I always did it in a spiral pattern, starting from the center, making only small adjustments at a time.
Take it easy for the best result

Good luck!

[simonbuk]

Ah ok - thank you - so did you put oil around the seal when you put them in ?

[HJ2]

Yes, you don't want to damage the coating.