TheSamba.com :: View topic - Installing the Engine Compartment Seal on a '72.

Thu Jul 05, 2012 3:03 am

Is it possible to install the engine compartment seal on a '72 Bus while the engine is still in place?

I talked with a local VW shop and they said the engine needed to be dropped.

Searching here I have picked up a bunch of useful tips. The Ratwell guide is the only place I have found where it says it can be done with out dropping the engine here: http://www.ratwell.com/technical/FAQ/FAQContent.html#0123

So, Im just wondering if anyone here has installed the engine compartment seal on a bus with the 1700 engine?

Im pretty sure this is the piece needed: http://www.busdepot.com/411813225

Thanks for your time,
Jer

Thu Jul 05, 2012 3:59 am

No, you should not drop the engine to install the engine seal.

Work from under the bus, and start above the transmission. Your seam will start there. Shiny side down.

You need a new VW mechanic if he's telling you this kind of nonsense.

Thu Jul 05, 2012 4:05 am

Oh my, yes, the foam seal can be replaced in about 3 minutes, without dropping the engine. Shiny side down.

Thu Jul 05, 2012 4:17 am

Westfabulous wrote: Oh my, yes, the foam seal can be replaced in about 3 minutes, without dropping the engine. Shiny side down.

Perhaps your mechanic was describing replacement of the harbor seal that works in tandem with the hamsters to deliver torque to wheels. :wink:

it takes longer than three minutes but it doesn't require the engine to be removed. surely the mechanic, if he's actually a VW mechanic, is thinking the bus has an upright engine and in this case the engine does have to be removed to replace parts of the two engine to body seals.

Thu Jul 05, 2012 4:29 am

I was thinking it would be pretty damned hard to install that thing with the engine out.

Thu Jul 05, 2012 5:03 am

I have always done mine with the engine in. To do it with the engine out, with my luck, the seal would be torn to shreds before I got the engine in. I do it from the top, then check underneath to ensure that it is completely sealed.

Thu Jul 05, 2012 9:04 am

I just installed a brand new one yesterday on my '74. I guess I am slow, It took me about 15 minutes. I started at the top center of the firewall tin and worked my way counterclockwise around the engine tin to body gap. Shiny side down. After I finished stuffing the foam from inside the engine compartment, I inspected the foam from below and finished seating the foam onto the tin so it was properly joined.

Thu Jul 05, 2012 3:47 pm

It's fast and eay.