Hi all, I have been working quite some time now trying to eliminate an oil leak originating from the region of the front camshaft seal on my 1990 B230FT. My efforts have included checks for crankcase pressure (including replacement of the oil trap and associated hoses), replacement of the seal on 4 separate occaisions (with Volvo OEM seals 3 times and an after market seal 1 time (properly lubing the seal first), which also included removing the camshaft bearing cap and resealing it, the most recent time with hylomar) along with replacement of the valve cover gasket each time.

I have concluded that it is not leaking due to any fault with the seals, ergo it must be a fault in the camshaft or seal seating area of the bearing cap or head. I checked the seal's mating surfaces on the bearing cap and the head, and they appear nice and smooth. I also visually inspected the camshaft itself, and it appears to be rather scratched and pitted.

If it is indeed the camshaft, what are my options at this point? presume Volvo has NOS OEM shafts available? If so, what would prices be? Are there any other sources? I guess as a last ditch effort I could get an adjustable timing gear and a VX and get a smooth cam that way!

Any thougts would be appreciated!

Thanks,
V