3mz-fe catastrophic new cam seal failure

[Kurtatron]

I changed the timing belt 2 months ago on this Lexus. The work included the two cam seals.

I had done this job on a 1MZ before and had no problems with that job.

What could have gone wrong? I used a pvc pipe to perfectly install the seal just like the Toyota tool.

I don’t remember if I applied any lubricant to the seals prior to install. I think I skipped that because I read somewhere to install them dry.

It sucks because I have to do this job again.

 

[supton]

PCV? pressure not being released properly, thus it blew out the weakest seal?

 

[Kurtatron]

PCV? pressure not being released properly, thus it blew out the weakest seal?

I just replaced it with a new OEM pcv. Unless there is some cap or plug I didn’t notice, I don’t think it was that.

 

[Astro14]

Looks like the lip was torn on installation and failed there. No lubrication on the outside, but absolutely a thin film of oil on the lip to help it slide over the cam without tearing.

 

[Oliveoil2]

Looks like the lip was torn on installation and failed there. No lubrication on the outside, but absolutely a thin film of oil on the lip to help it slide over the cam without tearing.

This^^^. Bummer. Try again. The seal needs to be oiled before installation. No sealant needed.

 

[The_Eric]

Looks like the lip was torn on installation and failed there. No lubrication on the outside, but absolutely a thin film of oil on the lip to help it slide over the cam without tearing.

On typical rubber lipped seals, yes always lube. However some newer PTFE seals specifically state not to lube - at least to my eye they're pretty easy to spot, so even if they're not labeled you can tell what they are and install dry.

 

[Mechanician]

I found a guide that states the PTFE seals should sit for several hours before starting. Learned something new.

 

[FordP3]

Wow that is VERY interesting about the settling time for the PTFE seals. I could see if it was very cold when the job was done and having a problem but in normal temps I would think with a few minutes you could start the car. That's pretty nuts.

Problem with people is they seem to rarely THOROUGHLY read instructions for things like this job...sorry for the redo.

 

[Mainia]

That is not a "settling time problem" that looks like a mechanical, "not mechanically install correctly screw up.

 

[The_Eric]

That's curious about the settling time as I've never seen any instructions included with PTFE seals that state it needs to be done.