Camshaft Seal
The camshaft seal keeps oil from leaking where the camshaft passes through the front of the engine, near the timing belt or chain. If you see oil around the timing cover or notice oil dripping near the front of the engine, a worn camshaft seal is often the cause and is worth fixing before it contaminates the timing belt.
Find a TechnicianCommon causes
- Seal drying out and cracking with age and engine heat
- A worn or scored camshaft surface that breaks the seal's contact
- High crankcase pressure from a faulty PCV system pushing oil past the seal
- Improper installation of a previous seal leaving a leak path
- Oil sludge or contamination degrading the seal material over time
Frequently asked questions
Why should a camshaft seal leak be fixed quickly?
If the seal leaks onto the timing belt, the oil can damage the belt and cause it to fail. A broken timing belt can wreck the engine, so it's smart to fix the seal before that happens.
Is the timing belt replaced along with the seal?
Often yes. Since reaching the camshaft seal usually means removing the timing belt or chain cover, many mechanics recommend replacing the belt at the same time, especially if it's near its service interval.
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