cam seal help with 3.7

[theonlysneakyone]

Okay so i just got my 1989 carver tuned up thinking " Everything looks great" when i regretfully looked at the port side engine to notice that there was a small antifreeze leak coming from the bottom. First coarse of action was check oil so i took the dip stick out to find that there was antifreeze in the oil. I figured it was the cam seals. So my questions are:

Where do i get replacement ones?

what are speedi sleeves and how do they work?

Any other helpful tips would be great.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: cam seal help with 3.7

You can get the new seals from any Mercruiser dealer or online Quicksilver# 26-97530, there are (2)

I've had good luck ordering specialty 470 parts from:
http://bpi.ebasicpower.com/mm5/merc...escrip=0&customfield1=brand&filter_cf1=&adv=0

Speedi sleeves are very thin stainless steel and round, approximately 1/2" long with different diameters. They are tapped (using a hammer and installation tool) on the camshaft where the seals wore a grove on the camshaft to give it a new surface for the new seal. A new seal on the worn cam can still leak.

Read this article on the leak:
Mercruiser 470 coolant leak

You will 95% likely have a worn spot on the camshaft where those seals ride on and will have to either replace the cam or put speedi sleeves over the camshaft so the new seals won't leak also.

Many on here who have done it already including myself, so ask any questions as they arise.

Read this link from Breezeworks.net from someone who documented the procedure to replace the seals with some nice clear photos:
http://www.breezeworks.net/cgi-bin/...=1138&ReturnPage=&PagePosition=2&ThreadPage=1

Welcome to the forum and the 470 club :facepalm:

 

[theonlysneakyone]

Re: cam seal help with 3.7

okay so installation says i need two tools:
1. A puller kit to remove the Rotor/Damper (Snap-On Gear Puller Kit or other puller set)
2. A Rotor installation tool (Mercury 91-93656A 1 for about $144.75)
I have the puller kit but where would i get a rotor installation tool and from where and do i really need it

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: cam seal help with 3.7

Yes, you want to use a correct "harmonic balancer installer". you can rent one for free from Auto Zone:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...-25qp?itemIdentifier=93699&_requestid=1423714

When I use the harmonic balancer puller, I like to put the center crankshaft bolt back in minus the washer to protect the threads in the crank. Just make sure the head of the bolt clears the opening.

 

[iand464]

Re: cam seal help with 3.7

I put my 470 harmonic dampner back on using a longer bolt of the same thread as the crank bolt and varrying stacks of thick washers. You may need to hold the crank from moving with a pry bar and two of the harmonic balancer puller bolts.

 

[theonlysneakyone]

Re: cam seal help with 3.7

so do i need two of the Quicksilver# 26-97530 or only one and if only one what is the other part number of the other seal.

is it the rear main seal and the timing cover seal that i need

nevermind figured i should just buy the whole kit off of ebay new for 58 bucks does anyone know what the diameter for the shaft is or do i need to measure that with a micrometer?

 

[stonyloam]

Re: cam seal help with 3.7

OK here is the front cover parts breakdown: http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...39469.png&inbr=908&bnbr=170&bdesc=FRONT+COVER You need 2 #2 and 1 #3 plus the gaskets. IMHO go with the OEM parts. When you instal the seals, both of the cam seals face the same direction (garter spring facing AWAY from the engine) and the crank oil seal garter spring facing toward the engine.

 

[theonlysneakyone]

Re: cam seal help with 3.7

SO i am starting to take apart the engine i am about to remove timing cover from the oil pan. what do you guys think the chances of needing a speedi sleeve are and does anyone know what size i need.

 

[slag]

Re: cam seal help with 3.7

SO i am starting to take apart the engine i am about to remove timing cover from the oil pan. what do you guys think the chances of needing a speedi sleeve are and does anyone know what size i need.

Pretty good.. and 99087 sleeve it looks like from reading other people's experiences.

 

[theonlysneakyone]

Re: cam seal help with 3.7

SO just an update everything seems to be good now. I made the repair myself ordered all the speedisleeves, seals and gaskets put them on ran the motor and now seems to be running good. Now having problem with gauges thanks for all of the help