Neon CAM seal leak.

Sounds like they want to sell you a PCV valve, not gears. :-)

PCV stands for 'positive crankcase ventilation' -- they are part of a system that removes potentially explosive fumes from the crankcase and allows them to be harmlessly burned off in the combustion chamber. As part of this, they do relieve internal crankcase pressure. They're easily checked and inexpensive to replace. It would seem to me a plausible explanation for your troubles, although this is something I've not personally encountered. For what a PCV valve costs (usually under $20) it's a worthwhile thing to change as part of regular maintenance. There are also several other components in the PCV system that need to be cleaned and/or replaced. Make sure they do the whole job.

--Geoff

Yeah, kinda, sorta, but your causes and effects are crossed up. I'm not sure where you got the notion that the PCV system was in place to avert hazards created by "potentially explosive fumes in the crankcase". The purpose of the crankcase ventillation system -- whether it is passive or positive -- is, at base, to relieve pressure in the crankcase. Ideally, the PCV system maintains a slight negative pressure in the crankcase. But no, it is not to "remove potentially explosive fumes".

I plead ignorance for good cause: 'twas the official teaching of the engine rebuilding course I took last fall. Sorry, I don't remember the textbook name, only that it had a pic of a Viper on the front cover. I won't argue the point, since I've already said everything I know on the subject, but I'm quite sure that's where I got it; I was tested on it (got an A, too.)

--Geoff

Don't argue with Stern, he knows all, tells all, be in awe.

I have seen many times work being done on the timing belt area/headgasket/or cam and found that the technician never installed the seal properly, If that isnt the case I would lean more towards the seal is just hard and worn out, That seal is in there really tight, A PCV valve being stopped up could not push it out

Had more time to think about this. Here:

The last one (the PDF) is particularly interesting. On page 4 it states: "The valve closes during a backfire to prevent the flame from traveling into the crankcase where it could ignite the enclosed fuel vapors."

...and this one at

"Purpose: The purpose of the PCV valve is to regulate the flow of crankcase fumes into the intake manifold where they can be burned. Prior to 1963, cars had no PCV and used road draft tubes that just left the hydrocarbon emissions from the crankcase out into the open air. The PCV valve also has a secondary role as a check valve, to prevent flow back into the crankcase. This prevents potential ignition of the crankcase fumes, should the engine backfire. The PCV system is also crucial for to proper engine sealing. The system alleviates crankcase pressure, which can push out on seals and gaskets, contributing to oil leaks."

So perhaps my information was a bit garbled...but prevention of an explosion in the crankcase is certainly a feature of the PCV system.

To the OP: yes, it would seem that the contention of your mechanic is quite possibly the cause of the camshaft seal leak.

Thanks for the opportunity to educate myself a bit more thoroughly, Dan.

--Geoff

I want to thank everyone who took time to reply. It looks like the mechanic at the garage is kinda, sorta correct. BTW he was re-iterating what another mechanic had already suggested. The other mechanic works on Chrysler products. He is also the mechanic where I usually get my work done.

I'm also glad to provide fodder for the group. :-)

Sorry about my typo (PVC instead of PCV).

syl