Pinching RSR seals
 

Hello all.

I just installed the first rocker shaft with RSR seals (during my rebuild). However, I noticed that while tapping in the shaft that the RSR seals got pinched. A circular piece of each seal was removed from it.

Is this normal? :confused:

Thanks

Dennis

They went in OK dry for me. Are you sure the rounded edge is outside and the rings are not twisted so that the squared-off edges face out?

Yes, as the rounded edge is what came off....

Make sure the shaft grooves (where the seals sit) are nice and clean. They gunk up and the seals won't seat well.

Also, when I installed mine, they were dry as stated above with no oil or pre-lube, but the seals were smeared with Dow Corning 111 which may have prevented them from grabbing on something and tearing.
You may have a burr or something similar in your shaft bore.

Dave

A pocket knife works pretty well for this, you just need to remove the sharp edge where the cam tower was bored for the rocker shaft, a very slight chamfer is what you are looking for.

Mark

Hi all. the Dow Corning is helping me out. Thanks fot your help!

Well, Dow C didn't help me a bit. Almost every one of these overpriced items sliced off a bit. And these are new rocker shafts. I don't remember this happening with the older motor I built with just about worn out shafts, and well used heads. These heads, while new to me, may never have had their shafts out until I got them.

When I noticed this, I tried to use a tapered cutter to give the lip which was cutting the seal. Didn't seem to help at all, so I gave up (and I could only do this on the #3 and 6 anyway at that point).

At the point I was on the build it made no sense to pull the heads off so I could get in with a tool to champfer.

Since these are not a must have item, I'll have to see what happens, and maybe do something come rebuild time (since it is a race motor, that will be in a year or two).

Irritating, especially given the ridiculous price for these.

Tell me about the rounded versus square edge. Since these are flat, I made sure they were installed with the nominal outer edge out. I know I could twist them so that edge was in, but that doesn't seem to make sense, and installing them on the shaft that way is harder as well.

Walt

Hi Walt, afaik, the twisted install can only happen if you don't pay attention. But it can happen and will look almost the same when installed (had it twice due to way the seal wants to settle into the groove).

Anyway, I will be putting some sealant on the outside of the rocker ends once they are installed as a final measure. Makes one think how useful those pricey thingies are, really.

I just went thru this and a sliver got sliced off on just about all of mine. It occurred to me later that it might be possible to use a hose clamp as a ring compressor.

When mine wouldn't go in w/o damaging the seal I decided not to use them at all. I wont be using them afterall...anybody want a cheap seat of unused RSR seals?

They went in very easily on my '86 3.2.

Captain,
I need 12 of them because I did one side and ran our of RSR seal funds. I was going to order the ones from EBS Racing for $1.40 ea. Your price?

Mark

Sorry Mark, those are sold already, but EBS are great guys and that price is hard to beat!
RC

What does Dow Corning 111 do that oil does not?? (having no idea what DC 111 is...).

Mark

A silicone base jell will stay there while oil will move to the bottom at least.
These parts all move a bit in heat cycle and the jells allow it with no adverse affects.
Most folks go this route.....is a safe thing to do
It makes the seals happy for a long time