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Fri Mar 19, 2010 7:09 pm

So the motor in my 56 leaks in the front of the motor. At first I thought it was the seal there the flywheel bolts onto the crank. Changed it and it still leaks. Now part of me thinks it is leaking at the bottom of the case below the cam plug. I bought a gasket set to fix the pushrods from leaking so Ill pull the heads but splitting the case makes me nervous.

I have a printout of the VW trends writeup from years ago on the 36 hp rebuild but Im still nervous. The compression on every cylinder is 125 and Im afraid if I split the case then I will F it up.

I guess my question would be is that a likely leaking spot by the cam plug and am I freaking out over nothing? I am mechanically inclined but splitting the case has me weirded out. Never done it before. Suggestions?

Fri Mar 19, 2010 9:15 pm

125 pounds on each cylinder is still pretty good so I understand your hesitation. It is fairly common for there to be leaks at the cam plug.

Can you find a worn out 36 hp near you for cheap and learn on it? Even a 40 hp or later engine would be a good learning tool.

Fri Mar 19, 2010 9:31 pm

They are good compression numbers. If it is otherwise running well then I would just keep adding oil.

Maybe buy a junk 36hp if you feel the need to split something :lol: (I'd highly recommend that, they are clever little engines - someone was thinking when they designed them.)

Fri Mar 19, 2010 10:23 pm

So yall are saying dont split the case? Just deal with the leaking oil?

Sat Mar 20, 2010 9:02 am

There was a post a while back from a person here that uses vacuum on the case to pull sealant into the case seams. You would have to pull the motor still, but you wouldn't have to pull the heads or split the case. Look in the Performance forum, I think it's in there.

Sat Mar 20, 2010 10:30 am

Did you reset the endplay on the crankshaft?

Did you run your fingers over the case sealing surface where the seal seats?

Have had to lightly polish with 400 wet dry sand paper the case there to remove some corrosion that was keeping the seal from sealing.

Sun Mar 21, 2010 1:40 am

You also need to check the sealing area on the flywheel where the lip of the seal contacts. This must be mirror smooth with no groove or it will damage the seal.

Sun Mar 21, 2010 2:44 pm

There is a slight groove in the flywheel where the seal sits.