[V8] T-Belt Replacement: Beware Bogus Cam Seals!

[Joe Fox]

A popular parts supplier sent cam seals with front face-to-lip distance of
~8.73mm instead of the  ~5.56 mm distance of an OEM seal.  Thinking it
wouldn't’t make a difference; I installed them only to find the left
(drivers side) seal leaking profusely upon starting the car.  Supplier sent
correct seals; job was done over again, now there’s no leakage.

This is on a 1994 w/4.2 L V8; earlier 4.2’s and 3.6’s may be different:
This engine has a shoulder in the seal recess on the left side that
interferes with the deeper seal lip when pressed in flush with the front of
the rear t-belt cover (per the shop manual).  The recess is deeper on the
right side so there’s no interference problem there.

So, check replacement seals carefully on your next t-belt change or you may
have to the job twice like I did!

Joe