So I took the venge to a mechanic earlier this week so he could help me find my massive oil leak. We pinpointed it to the rear cam gear seal so I'm gonna be replacing that one and the other one. Also since I have to take the timing belt off I'm gonna replace it too (not sure if it's ever been done for this motor)

Now I have never done this before.... but with the help of friends in town I'm 100% positive that I can do this. I've read a bunch of stuff on here about the t-belt and cam gears and I'm just posting this to get your guys experianced comments and suggestions on the situation.

I'm looking for tips, advice, and other things to possibly repair/replace while I'm torn into it. Thanks in advance guys!!! :)

By rear cam gear seal are you referring to the cam closer to the firewall (intake)? Because there is not a seal on the back of the cam.

The seals are only about 7.00 a piece. As for the T-Belt change look at the post by TheDawg on this page.

Here.

http://forums.2gnt.com/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=5&topic_id=126898&mesg_id=126898&page=

Yes, the intake sprocket. I've read that write up now and a few others and I'm going to replace:

*New Water Pump
*New Timing Belt
*New Timing pulleys
*New Valve Cover and Spark Plug Tube Seals
*New Cam Seals
*Inspect the Timing Tensioner for wear, replace if necessary

Replace the bearings as part of the T-belt kit. I didn't see that on the list of things that you would replace.

Get the PartsDinosaur kit.

Also, has the HG ever been done? While its all apart, its not much more to go ahead and yank the head too. At which point your gasket kit would come with came seals.

I appreciate everyones comments and I have one more question: Can I remove the cam gears and replace the seals w/o taking the cams themselves out?

Yes, but it's easier to take them out.

Originally posted by ZipDriveX
I appreciate everyones comments and I have one more question: Can I remove the cam gears and replace the seals w/o taking the cams themselves out?

The two T-Belt changes on my 99 RS were done without removing the camshafts. You just need to make sure you are not sloppy and nick the sealing surface on the camshaft.

If you decided to pull the cams to replace the seals make sure you have a new VC gasket set, anaerobic sealer, and RTV sealer. If you are ambitious enough and want to change your head gasket during your T-Belt service this is all moot as you will have to perform the above to remove the head.

Originally posted by ZipDriveX
I appreciate everyones comments and I have one more question: Can I remove the cam gears and replace the seals w/o taking the cams themselves out?

the two T-Belt changes on my 99 RS were done that way. You just need to make sure you are not sloppy and nick the sealing surface on the camshaft.

If you decided to pull the cams to replace the seals make sure you have a new VC gasket set, anaerobic sealer, and RTV sealer. If you are ambitious enough and want to change your head gasket during your T-Belt service this is all moot as you will have to perform the above to remove the head.