Problems with kv6 cam seal caps?
 

I understand that there have been some issues with the camshaft end caps on the KV6 falling out.

I also understand the only alternative is to fit normal style cam seals, leaving the spinning camshaft sticking out the end of the heads - not ideal.
This will also cause corrosion of the shaft and dirt to enter. So either corrosion or dirt will cause the seal to start leaking eventually.

What is best to do? I'll be having the engine out my ZT soon for clutch and cambelts. I will be disturbing the cam seal caps and I do not want to re-use the old ones.

I know that there were some poor quality cam seal caps that were simply falling out. However what about now? Surely the genuine LandRover caps are ok?
I know improper fitment was an issue due to the impossible access in the engine bay, but genuine LR cam seals caps fitted to the engine outside of the car should be ok, right?

As you are taking the engine out you shouldn't have any issues fitting new caps (I never re-use them).

Use genuine ones, fit them dry, tap them in straight & you shouldn't have any problems.

I had no option but to refit the orignal caps as I found it impossible to fit new ones with the engine in place. There must be a technique, but what is it?
The ends of the used ones were fractionally smaller than the new ones as a result of being previously fitted, such that it was possible to tap and lever them back into place working in the confined area.

Falling out or blowing out? I chose cam seals when I did the belts on my daughter’s V6 a few months ago, but that was partly because of the extremely low temperatures we sometimes get.
The breather system is often overlooked including the gauze filters inside the cam covers.
A local mechanic made security brackets and fitted them to every V6 that came into the workshop. I’ve got them on my own V6 but I believe that a clear breather system and correct fitment are more preventive.

Regards

Never had an issue fitting genuine caps with the engine in place, just need a good tap to push them home.

Hello Ashley,

As mh007 says, as you're removing the engine fitting new caps will be much easier.

For the record, out of necessity I re-used one of my originals and it has never leaked. The secret is to take particular care not to damage them upon removal. I used a pair of Vise Grips set to just attach themselves with cloth between the jaws and the plastic cap. Rotate the tool back and forth whilst simultaneously easing the cap outwards (I may have applied WD40 to assist). With this method any nicks in the plastic are confined to the outside so are purely cosmetic. The gripping surface and structure of the cap remains intact. :}

Simon

We see the argument from both sides, so offer both with our Cambelt Kits and individually.
When fitted with care the caps don't tend to fall out - you can always get unlucky, but then you need to balance that with the dirt ingress issue with using a standard seal.

For future reference, we have the original MG Rover part for well under RRP here:
https://www.dmgrs.co.uk/products/kv6...8ab59fb6&_ss=r