scottn3

I'm about to do the 205K timing belt change. Should I also change the crank and cam seals at this time?
I'm sure many will recommend this as a 'safe' measure but I don't always believe in disturbing factory set seals unless necessary.

A few questions:
What is the recommended change interval for these seals?
Has anyone had them start leaking (what mileage did they start leaking)?
How hard are they to change?
How much risk is there to damage something?
Are they pressed in?

Thanks for the advice!

erdoc48

As far as I know, there is no interval to change them and they should be accessible when doing the TB service. I didn't do mine at the 105K service (which was done at 95K), but it probably wouldn't be too expensive to have them done since the access to them is right there with the TB access. As for having to press them in, I don't know, but I think they install pretty easily. If you're planning to keep the TL past the next 100K miles, it might not be a bad idea to do it. On inspection, if they're not weeping and there's no oil consumption, it's probably not a needed service.

Also, when was your initial TB service done? If you have records of it, add 105K miles (roughly)- does that bring you to the 205K you're at now? Otherwise, you might be able to wait a little on that service.

scottn3

The first was done at 105K. I'd wait a little but also want to tap in to this nice weather for the weekend job.
If someone can confirm that its an easy job and they aren't pressed in, then I'd be willing swap them out. I've just gotten burned a few times when I've decided to go over and above the call of duty. Ended up screwing something up and regretted it. That's all I'm trying to avoid...

DeathMetal

iTrader: (2)

I wouldn't. I'll hit 200k next year and have no intention of doing so, and I've gone well above and beyond in replacing most "suspicious" wear items.

I'm keenly aware of what to expect at our milage, and I've yet to see a single member have their seals changed at the higher end of the lifecycle.

Legend2TL

^ +1 I agree, have replaced over two dozen timing belts on Honda/Acura's with mileage from 60K to 200K+and have never replaced the cam/crank seals. If they were weeping perhaps but Honda's seal suppliers and crank/cam finishes are so good I've never seen any leakage or weeping from the seals.

nfnsquared

I'll be doing my 2nd TB change in about 6-7 months from now and I have no plans to replace the seals (I didn't replace them the first TB change) unless they show visible signs of leakage.

csmeance

I'm at 190K and did the 1st TB at 97K, I replaced the spark plug tube seals along with the valve cover gaskets and intake manifold gaskets to make sure I wouldn't have any issues in the long run. I think I have a small oil leak near the front of the engine so I'm assuming it might the front main seal. I've ordered a new PCV so I'll get that put on so I don't ruin the rear main seal.

Should I do the spark plug tube seals again along with the intake manifold and valve cover gaskets? I rather pay a little extra now than more later

nfnsquared

I bought spark plug tube seals, but the originals looked/felt pristine. I chose not to install new seals and everything's been fine (I'm at ~192K).

I totally missed that the SM procedure calls for replacing the manifold gaskets until I already had the engine apart, so I just re-used the original gaskets. Everything has been fine. I probably will replace the manifold gaskets next time.

I did replace the valve cover gaskets. I'm not sure it was really necessary because my original gaskets also looked great. I'll probably replace them again.

mzilvar

iTrader: (3)

those seals are pressed in, I suppose someone may have a trick to get them out with the camshaft in place, they're similar to the way the spark plug tube seals are, pressed in

I'd leave them alone if they're not leaking, you'd have to remove the cam pulleys to access them and I'm not sure how easy it would be to remove them with the cams in place, once out they'd be really easy to replace though.. not sure on the crank but pretty sure it's the same, pressed into the oil pump

scottn3

Sounds like a PITA. I'm going to leave them alone unless there is obvious leaking when I go in to replace the belt. Thanks all.

paperboy42190

iTrader: (7)

the cam seals usually arent a problem. the crank seal however is pretty common to leak, I'm surprised yours hasn't already. Mine has 160k miles and has been leaking for the last year or so. It's just a slow seep though, have never seen a drop of oil on my driveway, and never noticed oil level going down. It just makes the oil pan look dirty from the oil. I'm 100% sure I will do the cam/crank seals along with my next TB service

mzilvar

iTrader: (3)

I did see a snap-on tool set designed specifically for removing and replacing cam/crank seals to make it easy such as those being discussed here, was a bit expensive though for the DIYer at about $300 if only going to use a few times the set did fit a whole range of seals though

paperboy42190

iTrader: (7)

im at 170k miles now, and my crank seal is getting noticeable. a couple oil drops on the floor, but not too bad where I need to top off oil...yet

cam_2

I'm at 165k miles and my rear main oil seal (aka transmission end oil seal) started leaking a few months ago. It's a slow leak so I check the oil weekly and top it off every two weeks or so. It's a pain to repair so I've deferred it:

https://acurazine.com/forums/problem...l-leak-925686/

nfnsquared

Check your PCV valve to be sure it's not stuck closed. Do a search in the "Problems" forum, someone posted a link to a thread discussing how a plugged PCV valve can cause seals to leak.

Otherwise, sometimes rear main seal leaks stop as mysteriously as they started.... Mine did....

cam_2

Thanks for the reminder and tip on the PCV valve - I think I'll just buy one and replace it. Otherwise, I'm hoping that mine mysteriously stops as well.