470 cam seals-repaired TWICE-PLEASE help

mbjeeper

Cadet
Joined
Aug 29, 2006
Messages
19
I have installed redi sleeves and new seals on my Mercruiser 470. The first time the outer seal leaked and coolant came out the weephole. I thought that I must have cut it on installation, so I ordered a new Mercruiser seal and tore it back apart.
There was a small mar in the inner (non-sealing) part of the outer seal, so I replaced it and reinstalled, this time very careful to tape the sharp edge of the cam and apply enough lube so that it wouldn't cut. I was very careful and I am almost 100% certain that the seals are OK this time. The redi sleeves are installed burr free, and the seals are riding on the new sealing surface as they should be.
My manual (Seloc) says to face the sealing lip portion of the seals toward the front of the engine (toward the water side of the seal). I did this.
Someone had been in there before with new seals, but not sleeves, and one of the seals was installed reversed.
Has anyone had this problem? How did you solve it? Do I have the seals facing correctly? Was the manual correct on the direction of the seals? Can anyone offer any advice or pointers that would help?
The inner seal appears to be holding, as there is no coolant getting into the oil. The repair isn't that difficult, but ordering and waiting on seals just to have them leak again is getting old. It is leaking worse now than when it was old seals riding on a grooved cam! I'd like to get back on the water before the summer is over!
ANY help would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks,
Greg
Moundsville, WV
mbjeeper@aol.com
 

mbjeeper

Cadet
Joined
Aug 29, 2006
Messages
19
Re: 470 cam seals-repaired TWICE-PLEASE help

A mechanical engineer that is very familiar with seals that I discussed this with today suggested a double lip seal. Has anyone tried this?
What about cam end play? Could this be the problem?
Is it possible that the cam is wobbling enough to cause the leak? Is this typically a problem with these motors? The engine itself is very clean and holds great oil pressure, so I don't think that the cam bearings would be worn enough to cause wobble or runout problems, but I am at a loss as to what else could cause it.
Any one out there done this before?
I would really appreciate some help! Surely someone has successfully made this repair.
Thanks,
Greg
Moundsville, WV
mbjeeper@aol.com
 
Top