I seem to have an on-going problem. My VVT oil seal are leaking. I replaced them 3 or 4 times within the last year using everything from Rack Auto to genuine Jaguar parts.
Questions: could something else cause this like high crankcase pressure (not sure if this is a real thing or if I just made it up)? Has anyone used a gasket seal type product on the seals? Any other suggestions?

 

I don't fully understand the Jag's sealing system but as a general rule with the V-8's I've dealt with over the years it is possible for internal crankcase pressure to cause various engine seals to leak oil. The old PCV valves were notorious fro causing valve cover seals to leak if the became plugged with fouled oil and other contaminants so it's possible that something of that sot may be causing your problem.

Still so many failed attempts begs the question as to just how you're installing them. Have any of the failed seals shown any area where they could have been pinched or folded over upon installation? Any cracks or gaps near the leak sites. Could you have over torqued the hold down bolts? Have you had any codes thrown having to do with a possible problem with your emission systems that would indicate a faulty valve or plugged line?


There are a number of quality gasket sealing compounds on the market with Permatex being probably the most well known but if the seals were properly installed and barring a problem elsewhere a sealer really shouldn't be necessary.

Just one persons opinion mind you.

 

Something wrong - you're probably on the right track with thinking high crankcase pressure - have you checked the part and full load breather pipes?
Does the pressure seem excessive when you remove the oil dipstick?

 

The installation is just a push in "donut style" seal. I remove the old one, clean the valve cover and VVT and gently push the new one in. No codes

I did clean the part breather I think, it is where you use a drill bit to open the hole?
I have never noticed any pressure, but I have never look for it. I will try it after I get the car nice and hot.
Thanks, I will check these items tomorrow as I must get ready to freeze my "tail pipes" off tonight at the football game. Go Bears

 

Yes - that's the one.
BTW - how many miles and does it use any oil?

 

My wife's 2006 XK8 weeps a few drops of oil from the drivers-side VVT oil seal between oil changes every 6,000 miles. The passenger-side VVT oil seal remains dry....

I purchased new OEM VVT oil seals more than 18 months ago but have not installed them because I am concerned about escalating a leak issue that really isn't a problem right now. I know the process is to remove the old seals, get the area squeaky clean, and carefully press the new seals into place. This task is on my list for the vehicle's 90,000-mile service (it's pushing 86,000 miles now). I hope I don't create a problem I don't currently have when I finally replace the original VVT oil seals....

Good luck with yours. I hope you can finally get the issue resolved....

 

If the seal isn't correctly centred on the solenoid it can leak. When I replaced mine I removed the cam cover, fitted the new sel and the replaced the cover, the seal then self aligns to the solenoid.

 

ding ding ding, winner winner chicken dinner....

 

I will give that a try over the winter. Thanks