7MGTE camshaft seal problems

[firstsupra]

We have an 87 Supra with the 7GTE engine (115K miles) and there is a lot of oil coming out of the
front engine cover drain hole. This happened two years and 2000 miles ago. I replaced the front cam seals,
valve cover gasket and front crank seal (with speedy sleeve). All was well, but it's happening again!
The first time the cam seals were literally "cooked". Pieces would flake off with your fingernail!
I have not taken it apart yet, but have removed the top plastic cover. The cam seals appear to be dry.
What is going on here???

Also, what oil pressure is normal for this engine? Ours runs 40 psi cold, 25-30 warm at highway speed
and 10-15 at hot idle. I use 10W-40 Valvoline oil.

thanks, Les

 

[Nick M]

You would be better served running grade 5W in winter. And unless you operate your engine at 250 degrees instead of 210, you don't need 40.

 

[firstsupra]

Thanks for the tip on the oil, but I need help with the leak problem on the front of the engine.
Has there been problems with cam seals or crank seals? The fact that the first set was burnt to
a crisp is really strange... Where else could this front cover oil be coming from?

thanks

 

[hvyman]

is the speedy sleeve the metal ring that slide over it to make a new surface? unless there was a huge grove i would avoid those.

the seal was falling apart because it rubber and it was old and brittle. perfectly normal for a seal that is 20+ years old and seen well over 100k.

You would have to pull the covers off and inspect but there is also the oil pump drive shaft seal and the rear timing cover tho the head needs to come off for that one.

Also could be the came caps wheere the cam seals are.

pictures with the covers off would help as well.

 

[3p141592654]

Another leak source down there can be between the crank timing pulley and crank snout. Often overlooked, (or not understood at all based on the ignorance of some on display in this thread).

http://www.supramania.com/forums/showthread.php?195608-Crankshaft-quot-Pulley-quot-!!!&p=2000086&viewfull=1#post2000086

 

[super51fan]

I feel a big part of repeat oil leaks stem from using aftermarket seals. From what you said you replaced cam cover gaskets and cam seals. No mention of the resealing the cam caps with FIPG. Probably all old and brittle. Also the cam cover gaskets call for two small dabs of FIPG on each corner as is goes down on cam cap. Most Toyota OEM seals have grease on the inner sealing lip. Always put some grease on the inner sealing lip before install. I only use oem Toyota seals and gaskets except for one. I use the OEM because they last. Good luck.

 

[755hp]

My Story: I had the same issue with my 7MGTE; oil leaking from the front of the motor. I replaced all seals; front main, oil pump drive and cam seals. I never knew which seal was leaking (because I just replaced all seals). Problem solved so far; did it about a month ago.

Also, as "super51fan" said, applying dab of FIPG to the cam caps is important; although, I used some Purematex gasket sealer instead (same/similar sealing capabilities/properties--but ultimately, it's your choice). Hmm, as a matter of fact, you can never go wrong with using what Toyota recommends for their car. Oil can leak here if the gasket is not enough or sealing properly.

As far as I know, these are the only places oil can leak from the front of the engine (unless the head/block is chipped/crack right where each oil seal seats). The only other place (from the front of the engine) could be at the front of the oil pan. But it sounds like you are saying the leak is coming from the top leaking down at the front.

My Suggestion: Replace ALL oil seals at the front of the motor (make sure to install properly; check TSRM. Not slanted--may cause damage to oil seal lip--therefore contributing to a leak, again). Apply a good amount of FIPG gasket sealer at the cam caps (be careful not to fill the oil passage channel for the cam seals; check TSRM for visual understanding).

If you're still leaking oil then your 7mgte is something crazy and I don't know what's going on.

Anyway, I hope my advice will be useful! Good Luck man!

 

[rdaigle44]

Just my two cents but you could clean it all off and add some oil dye to your oil. It might help you pinpoint exactly where it's leaking.