Oil seals to replace

I am also in the process of fixing oil leaks in my 94 Camry. I just replaced the valve cover gasket with a new one. I have serviced the distributor with a new seal and "O" ring. The seal had worn a groove in the distributor shaft, which is common due the heat developed because its so close to the head. To get the seal running on a new spot on the shaft, I used a copper washer to space the seal out a mm. or so. This stopped the oil leaking from this spot. If you do decide to dismantle the distributor, it's a bit tricky and there are two clearances to set. Not too bad if you take your time and remember where everything goes.

I did tighten up the oil pan but if it continues to leak I will remove it and fit a new gasket or RTV silicone. I have a new transmission service kit to fit. After these are done, I'll give the engine a clean up and look for any further signs of leaks that might be happening at other locations.

J.

I've done the distributor shaft seal replacement and documented it here:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=937638&highlight=distributor+shaft+seal

I didn't have shaft wear, but the spacer is a good idea. Thanks for sharing that tidbit.

I am getting prepared to replace all the front engine seals. Mine is obviously leaking from there also.
A quick list would include:
1. Front Crankshaft seal.
2. Camshaft seal.
3. Oil pump seal(s).

Have I missed anything?

I will see if our spare parts retailer has a listing for aftermarket seals for this engine. Failing that, I'll pull the seals out and take them to town for matching at the bearing shop. Just means I have to hitch to town this way though! I live in the bush (woods).

Is there any special tools required to do this job?

I moved this to its own thread since it appears the original thread was for the rear main oil seal while you are asking about the seals on the front of the engine.

As you are aware in another post, many times these seals are replaced along with the timing belt since that has to come off to get to them, which has been covered many times over in here. Please use the search function for the tools you'd need. Thanks!

Thanks jdm. Apologies for my ignorance here!

Don't forget to do ''In the car valve stem seal replacement'' while the valve cover is off.

Don't forget to do ''In the car valve stem seal replacement'' while the valve cover is off.

Can you elaborate please? I didn't know you could do this with the head still on. Do you have to remove the camshaft?

Jim.

Compressed air is used to hold the valves up during the valve step seal replacement.

I moved this to its own thread since it appears the original thread was for the rear main oil seal while you are asking about the seals on the front of the engine.

...............!

Which thread did you move it to?

I have replaced my rear main seal and did the modification on the distrubutor (described on another thread). Also replaced the oil pan (sump) gasket which was split with a 1mm gap in it! As mentioned before, I have done the 3 front seals as well. Now my car does not leak oil.

To separate the transmission from the engine we removed the two left hand side sub frame bolts and loosened the two right hand ones. This allowed the frame to be partly lowered which meant we could move the trans sideways sufficiently to gain access to the seal. There simply was not enough room to drop the trans out with the engine in situ in my opinion. In any case, this turned out to be an efficient method, as it saved lifting the thing in and out. It was suggested by my mechanic friend who was helping me with the job.
The final job was to fit a new service kit and gasket to the auto trans and the job was done.
Good for another fews years I expect! This one has done nearly 380,000klms. (approx 240,000miles). It's now burning very little oil. I estimate less than 1/2 litre per 1000 klms.
I'm glad I did the job!

Jim.

p.s. please advise if I have posted this on the wrong thread.

edit: attention Brian R. : The distributor seal spacer did not work. See other thread describing the machining mod to position the seal further into the housing. This was successful!