Why are crank seals a one time use only item?
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TECH Senior Member
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From: Lexington, Ky
Why are crank seals a one time use only item? Why can't a crank seal be re-used once the timing cover is pulled off?
If the ribbed portion of the seal is not ripped or torn, etc then why do these seals need to be replaced with each removal of the timing cover from the front of the engine?
I understand it's good preventative maintenance to just put a new seal in but I was just curious as to the real reasoning.
If the ribbed portion of the seal is not ripped or torn, etc then why do these seals need to be replaced with each removal of the timing cover from the front of the engine?
I understand it's good preventative maintenance to just put a new seal in but I was just curious as to the real reasoning.
I was under the impression it was preventative maintenance. After all, who wants to put it all back together to find out it leaked and tear it back down again.
FWIW: I've reused mine with no leaks in the past.
FWIW: I've reused mine with no leaks in the past.
They are reusable if the ribbed part is not damaged any. But, you will notice that the more mileage they have on them, the more stiff they become, which might allow some leakage to happen as they age.
If they aren't warped looking, or damaged, just reuse them
If they aren't warped looking, or damaged, just reuse them
Thread Starter
TECH Senior Member
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From: Lexington, Ky
Originally Posted by Nine Ball
They are reusable if the ribbed part is not damaged any. But, you will notice that the more mileage they have on them, the more stiff they become, which might allow some leakage to happen as they age.
If they aren't warped looking, or damaged, just reuse them
If they aren't warped looking, or damaged, just reuse them
Thanks for the info.
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Albuquerque, NM
Yeah, I gotta go with the preventative line, especially the front seal. Lots of oil moving thru that area. Unless you need an excuse, like me, to change out the cam while in there ( honey, since I'm already there it makes sense to spend another $300 or so to be safe.... ). Sometimes it's the only "justification" I can come up with.
