how do I completely remove a stuck cam/crank seal?
 

Im trying to change the cam & crank seals during a timing belt change; the truck is a '98 with a 'hard/rough' 126K miles on it. I cant get the seals off cleanly.

I started trying to pry out one of the cam seals only to find that the seal is completely stuck/adhered into place, and It began falling apart into chunks&pieces as I tried to pry it out. Im having a really hard time trying to scrape it off & pry out the pieces that are stuck in the gaps without damaging the surrounding areas, and Im pretty sure that Im not getting all of it out. Im betting the other 2 seals are going to give me the same problem.

what's the best way to get old, deteriorated seals out that are stuck in place & dont want to come out in one piece? How can I completely clean out the old cam seals? will I be forced to open the valve cover???

please help, Im stuck... :(

I am assuming that pieces of the rubber is coming out, not the metal backing. I usually put a sheet metal or wood screw into the metal backing and pull on it to get the seal out. Removing the rubber does not help. Sorry if these seals are different then the typical metal backed seals.

doh! you were correct; it was just the metal backing that I was hitting. since its the first time I have ever done this, I didnt realize how big the seal actually was (I thought it was just a small, thin rubber gasket-type deal).
I drilled into the backing & managed to pry it out with pliers.
thanks for the help, problem solved...

be very careful that you don't scar the seal riding surfaces on the cams and crank shaft.