question about cam box gaskets.

[BobsCT124]

Greetings. Let me start by saying my automotive mechanical skills limited. Brake jobs, spark plugs, wires.... That being said I'm in the process of replacing my water pump. I came to find while removing things that the timing cover was still in place on my car. So now that I have to remove even more I taking on the timing belt as well. I'm kind of sure my came box gaskets are leaking too. I did buy a new oil cap to make sure I covered that if that maybe the problem. How involved is it in replacing the cam gaskets. Are there any good step by step videos or instructions on the internet. Should I just wait and send it to someone more capable? Thanks for any insight.

[geospider]

If you are doing the timing belt, you can do the cam box gaskets. But first see if the leak might be coming from the valve cover gaskets. A known leak area. clean it all up and see where it is leaking.
I had to replace mine. Not a tough job, do not use gasket sealer (a machine shop did and that caused my leak). I did get the high performance gaskets from AR. You would need to adjust the valves after. Also not difficult.

let us know how its going.

Geo

[BobsCT124]

thanks

[BobsCT124]

thanks

[Odoyle]

Just to reiterate, if you decide to replace the cam box gaskets you will have to readjust all the valves (replace most if not all the shims). Reason being is the thickness of the new gasket will be different than current gasket, moving the tower. Specialty tool sold by most parts vendors is required to depress the cam buckets to replace shims.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Just to add to what Odoyle said above: Yes, if you change the gaskets between the cam boxes and the cylinder head, you may need to adjust your valve clearances. However, if you are just replacing the gaskets for the cambox covers (a common source of leaks), you don't need to adjust the valves.

-Bryan

[Spider951]

+1 to the above clarification about replacing gaskets on top of cam boxes (covers) vs gaskets below. Oil leaking from the camshaft cover gaskets can make its way down to make it look like a more serious issue with gaskets below (happened on my car). Changing cam cover gaskets is a piece of cake - replace those first and then see if you still have a leak. Don't overtighten the new cover gaskets, though you may need to retighten a bit after a little use (compression of the gaskets).
As for timing belt replacement, it's kind of a PITA, but there are lots of good instructions to be had on doing it. And yeah if you are replacing the water pump it would be "false economy" not replace the timing belt as well (unless it is new, of course).

[manoa matt]

I would take off the cam box covers, then re-torque the cam box hold down bolts. Start in the center and work towards the ends. That may take care of the leak and should not affect the valve shim adjustment. When replacing the cam box gaskets, try to find the cork versions, the rubber gaskets tend to get hard after a while and leak more. Rockauto.com has the cork gaskets for about $5 a set.

[BobsCT124]

thank you everyone for the information you shared.