I am trying to replace all 3 front engine oil seals on my B230f engine. Engine has 147k on it and the seals look to be the originals. No leaks right now, but I am wanting to replace them for peace of mind.

I bought a seal puller from Sears. (looks like a flattened hammer with claws on both sides of the head) Yesterday I tried to get the cam seal out with this tool, but freaked myself out in the process. I am so terrified of scratching the camshaft where the seal seats. I tried to hook the seal puller tool between the seal and the actual camshaft. With the force required to get that tool tip under the seal, it seems like I will surely scratch the camshaft. I then tried taking off the valve cover to get to that seal from the top. I got it off, then removed the two 13mm bolts that are at the front top of the camshaft inside the valve cover area. I thought that maybe this "cap" looking section would lift off exposing the seal, but no luck. So I buttoned the valve cover back up, and am now stuck.

Is there any way I can get these seals out with the puller? Should I try and slip the puller between the seal and the camshaft, or on the other side of the seal where it contacts the engine block? Also, could the valve cover gasket have been holding down that camshaft bearing cap thing preventing me from getting to the cam-seal from "behind"? I really want to get these guys replaced, but more than that, I want to do it right so I don't have a leak afterwards. Thanks for your help.

Marcus - 1993 Volvo 240 classic #1549/1600