3.7 L Mercruiser Redi-Sleeves for camshaft

[Trevor O]

I have replaced camshaft seals and used Redi-sleeves to cover the grooves on the camshaft and she still leaks. Is it possible that the camshaft moves back and forth enough to cause the seal to uncover itself from the redi-sleeve and expose itself to the camshaft? Any ideas? I'm getting pretty good at tearing the front of the motor apart. Would it be possible to push the front seal in just a hair so that it is covered by the redi-sleeve if in fact the camshaft does move back and forth?

 

[mbjeeper]

Re: 3.7 L Mercruiser Redi-Sleeves for camshaft

I am in exactly the same boat, so to speak.
I have installed the sleeves and she leaks worse now than before, after 2 sets of seals.
Unfortunately I can't seem to get any help from anyone on any boards. Surely someone has done this before! I posted several times, the latest being yesterday, and there aren't any replies. This is supposed to be a common problem with these motors, so how do you fix it?

I spoke with a mechanical engineer today at work who suggested a double lip seal. I wasn't able to get one today as I worked over and the parts stores were closed. The seal number, in case you want to try it, is Chicago Rawhide (CR) # 8748. It is a same size seal with a double sealing lip. A parts store or bearing supplier should be able to get you that seal or cross reference an equivalent from another manufacturer.

I have been using Mercruiser OEM seals, and I emailed Sterndrives.com to see if they could offer any advice, but I haven't gotten a reply.
I am really getting tired of tearing the front of the motor apart, too. That balancer pulls harder than any other motor I've ever done!
I am going to pull it back apart in the next day or two and try again, probably with a double lip seal. I am also going to use a dye penetrant on the case around the seal bores and the weep hole tunnel to check for cracks. Probably also going to check the runout on the cam end.
Beyond that I am at a loss. I am sure that the sleeves are installed correctly and the seal is riding on the sleeve surface as it should.
Please let me know how you make out with your repair, and I will let you know if I get mine fixed.
This is really getting frustrating!
Good Luck!
Greg mbjeeper@aol.com
Moundsville, WV

 

[Trevor O]

Re: 3.7 L Mercruiser Redi-Sleeves for camshaft

MBJEEPER,
Glad to know someone is in the same boat so to speak. Third time is supposed to be a charm, but unfortunately isn't. It leaks worst than before also. I used Barr's leak last year and I didn't have a problem, but this year it does not even slow it down. I read on stern drive.com that aside from replacing the camshaft, this was a good fix if done right. I know it was done right, but there must be something else to it. I'm going to push back the front seal a hair on Saturday. A hairline crack came to mind also as you said. I know they don't make timing chain covers for the 3.7 anymore, so I hope that is not the problem. Let me know how you did. Thanks for the seal number.

 

[mbjeeper]

Re: 3.7 L Mercruiser Redi-Sleeves for camshaft

GOT IT!
Take a piece of thin shim stock-- I used .002" (or even a pop can or similar metal, Mylar might work, too--just make sure there are no burrs on the edges) and roll it up so that it will fit inside the cam seals and overlap a little. Grease it up really well on both sides. Put it inside the seals and let it expand. Prep your timing cover and apply your gasket and/or RTV.
Slip the shimstock over the shaft and easily push the timing cover over the cam. ( the shimstock keeps the new seals from touching the cam as you slide the cover on)
As your cover settles into place and the seals are where they are supposed to be, gingerly pull the shimstock out, rotating it just slightly so the overlapped edge is not going to drag on the seal. Pull it out and your seal surfaces are OK. I cut 3 sets of seals on the cam (no matter how careful I was), and this worked the first time I tried it.

Good luck, and if you haver any questions, email me.
Best of luck,
Greg
mbjeeper@aol.com

 

[boatguy19]

Re: 3.7 L Mercruiser Redi-Sleeves for camshaft

those sleves only are only good for a short time at best, your better off just buying a new cam and be done with it. if not, your going to be doing it over and over . ebasic basic power has the cam for 200.00 if i recall right.