Replace case bolt o-rings???

[TxSquash]

Should I replace the case thru bolt o-rings if I'm not splitting the case? The 3.0SC engine has been sitting for 3 years, and with only 100K miles I'm just doing a top end. But have been told that she will leak at these o-rings. It never leaked there before, and I kind of worried if I remove the bolts it will open up the case half seal to leaks. Is this a common practice, and if so is there a procedure to follow.
Thanks
Doug

[lindy 911]

"If it aint broke..."

[930LDR]

If it hasn't been leaking then I can't imagine its worth the hassel and risk of it leaking as a result of the replacement work.

[Walt Fricke]

Right - don't believe everything you have been told.

Guys replace the thermostat seal and the idiot light sender "just in case" because they are a common source of leaks. If they aren't leaking now, they might in the future. And the crank seals on the "while I am there" theory, and because the seal lips could wear as they bear on a moving shaft.

But not these bolt O rings absent finding one leaking. Even then, you'd just deal with the leaker.

Of course, if you split the case you have to replace all of them, as they get mangled on installation, and hence are not reuseable.

[Eagledriver]

I'm with Walt on this one. I'd not replace them unless they are leaking. If you do replace any of them, buy the green viton ones. (they hold up much better during installation).

-Andy

[TxSquash]

Thanks Guys, plenty of other things to replace in a top end rebuild on a 34 year old buggy. So I'll leave this alone. More questions later, I'm sure.
Thanks