Cam Shaft Seals Help Please!

[dilligaf76]

A couple of weeks ago I replaced the cam belt on my MK1 16V Focus 02 plate and I decided to replace the cam shaft seals on the cambelt end.

The original seals were level with the side of the head however the new ones I tapped in as far as they would go and I'm not sure if I should have done that, will it be okay?

[Boosted LS1]

They usually only go down to a certain depth. Does the seal itself look ok? If in doubt buy another set and make sure theyre from a reliable supplier and not cheapies.

[dilligaf76]

Hi and thanks for the reply. Yes seals look absolutely fine, I just gently tapped them in as far as they would go so they are sitting a little deeper rather than being flush with the side of the cylinder block.
The only thing I was concerned about was the little oil hole located just behind the seals, hopefully it won't make too much difference.

[Hawkshaw]

I don't know this particular engine very well, but I would be wary of blocking an oil hole. It wouldn't be there without good reason.

[dilligaf76]

Well that's the thing I'm not sure if it really is...

[Hawkshaw]

dilligaf76 said:

Well that's the thing I'm not sure if it really is...

Drilling a hole costs production time and money, so it wouldn't be there if it wasn't necessary.

As said, I don't know the engine in detail and a picture would help, but from your description, I guess that the oil seal fits into a plain cylindrical housing and should be at the front, i.e. flush with the end face of the head. And I would guess that the hole is an oil return, so that the seal is not submerged, which makes its job easier. So, best not to block it.