Did you look to see if the cam seal surface is damaged?

 

Check to see if the shaft surface is scored. If so you'll need a repair sleeve. Measure and double check the shaft diameter as some catalog offerings are wrong.

1997 TOYOTA CAMRY 2.2L L4 Camshaft Repair Sleeve | Shop Now at RockAuto

Engine Parts and More for Your 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.

www.rockauto.com

Use discount code if you buy from Rock Auto. Scroll to the latest post:

https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/rockauto-discount-code.360084/page-27

 

Check to see if the shaft surface is scored. If so you'll need a repair sleeve. Measure and double check the shaft diameter as some catalog offerings are wrong.

1997 TOYOTA CAMRY 2.2L L4 Camshaft Repair Sleeve | Shop Now at RockAuto

Engine Parts and More for Your 1997 TOYOTA CAMRY at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.

www.rockauto.com

Use discount code if you buy from Rock Auto. Scroll to the latest post:

https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/rockauto-discount-code.360084/page-27

I didn't know Rockauto had these. That's great. Have you ever installed one of these? What's the procedure?

 

This helped me plan my install, although I haven't got to this yet.

 

First make sure the source of the leak. For example, was it the camshaft seal itself? A groove worn into the camshaft? A scored camshaft from removing the seal? Or the cam seal cap not getting dabs of RTV? Or the valve cover gasket and dabs of RTVs at specified points? etc.

If you identified the source as a worn camshaft, it's best to measure the diameter and compare against the repair sleeve. Each sleeve works only in a very narrow diameter range. I've gotten wrong ones in the catalog. For example, the National 99147 sleeve works only if the camshaft sealing surface diameter is between 1.496" and 1.490".

I'd suggest you remove the cam cap again to install the sleeve, as you'll be able to score and pull off the flange much easier (including the ability to rotate the camshaft as you pull off the flange). (alternatively I've removed the flange with the sleeve mostly installed and then carefully tap it into place, but let's not go there yet, as the thin sleeve can deform easily). The sleeve itself is thin and relatively soft, so use care as not to damage it. The sleeve should cover the seal contact area, ideally you'll have sleeve showing on both sides of the installed seal, inboard and out. So check twice and install once.

Make sure to use RTV dabs at specified locations. Make sure the PCV system is working and you don't have pressure build up in the crankcase pushing oil out. Good luck!

Here are some official videos:

 

First . . . . Here are some official videos:

THANKS, this is very helpful! I'm about to remove the leaky seal and inspect the shaft. Of course, I'm hoping I just didn't install it right, but if there is a problem with the camshaft I'll definitely try this. I don't know how many seals like this I've replaced over the years, and I've never had such a problem like this before.

 

I took the seal out just now. The inner race where it touches the cam is torn in two places. I checked the shaft very closely and I can't see any burs or rough spots. There is a shiney area around the entire shaft where the seal rides but I can't feel any divot. My fingernail doesn't catch anywhere on the shaft either. I can't see anything that would have torn the seal. So, I'm going to put a new fel-pro seal in this afternoon without a sleeve and see what happens. Wish me luck.

 

Fel-Pro seals are complete trash walk into a Toyota dealer and order one instead. If you don't you'll be doing the job again soon. You must apply RTV as shown.