Long story short, my Z has a oil leak at the front of the engine. I pulled the front off, and the leak was coming from the behind the right hand intake (VTC) cam sprocket.

I automatically assumed it was the cam seal, so I removed all the cam sprockets, and replaced the seals (I also replaced a lot of other things while I had access).

Since then, I have re-installed everything, only to discover it is still leaking! I've ruled out the cam cover, as it was clean around that area. The sprockets haven't been off in the 6 years I've owned the Z, so it won't be cam shaft damage.

Sorry, this isn't really that short a story! Question is, how common is it for the sprocket to fatigue, and cause a leak?

The pulley that goes through the seal needs replacing as it has a wear groove that is causing the leak, common problem, ask Smithy!!

 

Jeff TT

Thanks Jeff.

So you are saying another intake sprocket is required?

Thanks Jeff.

So you are saying another intake sprocket is required?

 

Yes, a good second hand one will be ok.

 

Jeff TT

Glad to hear, as I suspected. I wasn't sure if it was a common, probable cause or not.

 

I bought a pair of second hand sprockets from interstate earlier today, so hoping that they are in good condition, and fix the leak :)

The pulley that goes through the seal needs replacing as it has a wear groove that is causing the leak, common problem, ask Smithy!!

 

Jeff TT

 

Yep after a few cambelt swaps and twice replacing all seals, finally found it, dohh

To find it we started the engine with the covers off and held a piece of paper above each sprocket, as the pulley spun round it sprayed oil on the paper.

Sprocket replaced and jobs a goodun :)

smithy

Thanks Smithy, sounds exactly like what is happening with my leak. With the timing belt covers off, the oil is being sprayed around from behind the sprocket.

 

 

 

Cheers,

Jono

This happened to mine too.