In my other post, with the help of the guys from the board we determined that my opti is bad. I'm pretty sure that the seal behind the opti in the timing chain cover is leaking because of the drip that I get off the bottom of the opti. I wanted to change out the seal when I replace the opti, but was wondering if you can replace it without removing the timing chain cover. Any suggestions would help!

Jon

 

Yes, just pry out the seal and install a new one. Probably easier with the splined drive stub removed. Just make sure you index the drive and opti properly when you put it back together.

 

Do you mean when you take out the splined drive to mark it against the timing chain cover so I can put it back in the right spot?

 

The splined drive is keyed so you can put it back correctly. Just pay attention to what you do.

 

IF the seal behind the opti in front of the cam is bad, will it drip oil or just allow water into the opti ?

 

It's an oil seal, so it would be oil that leaks out of the engine.

 

That seal is only available with the timing cover from GM. at least thats the case for my 97. I am dealing with that right now. I pulled that seal out to replace it during my engine build and just found out today that its on available by itself. So now i am trying to find one aftermarket so that i don't have to buy a new timing cover.

 

That is so untrue.
1995-1997 front cover opti seal GM p/n 12552428 or you should be able to get an aftermarket seal anywhere.

 

For the 93-4 the GM p/n is 10128317, fairly easily replaced with TC on the motor..
It's the water pump seal that's tricky to do..

 

Ya know what... i typed that reasponse as soon as i got home from the dealership. I did some digging on shoebox's site and i found that part number. I am sorry i posted faulse info, i was misinformed by the dealership. thanks for setting me straight guys.