TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed Jul 21, 2004 2:25 pm

i just put my new engine in my car and i forgot to put the seal in around the rear apron where the exhaust is right under it well my question is will i run hot runnig it like that i have my decklid off to give it air ,should i just keep the decklid off ? thanx

Wed Jul 21, 2004 2:29 pm

You may, yes. However, if you're really hard up about putting it in, you can get a '72+ Type 2 engine compartment seal. It's foam so you can shove it down in the gap.

Fri Jul 23, 2004 11:21 pm

There are 2 engine compartment seals on your engine. I assume you're not talking about the one on the firewall that goes over the tranny, but the one around the engine tin. If you're patient, you can install this seal with the engine and tin in place. I did it on my 74 Super with a stock 1600DP.

I had to gently pry up the retainer lip a bit, clean out the groove really well, then slowly work the seal in. The are 2 gaps in the retainer lip at the corners. That will allow you to slide the seal in from there and to the back of the engine (front of car). The last section above the muffler will require you to tuck the seal in a bit at a time with a wide bladed screw driver. I

If I recall, I think my muffler and heat exchangers were out at the time, but the work was done from the topside....

FYI - you can also replace the alternator and fan without removing the hood or fan shroud if you don't mind the pain....

Good luck.

Mike

74 Super
52 Zwitter
78 Vert

Sat Jul 24, 2004 5:07 am

You should replace it, even if you don't feel the car is "running hot", it will be running at a higher tempeture. This will eventually shorten the life of your "new" motor.

It's a pain, but you need to do it. Pick up a silicon spray, it'll make the job easier.

-jeffrey

Sat Jul 24, 2004 2:33 pm

I say replace the seal and keep the deck lid on. The air vents on the lid are placed up high for a reason. It draws in cooler air coming from above the vehicle.

Sun Jul 25, 2004 6:55 am

I'm with 74shag on this one. It's much worse to run without your decklid than it is to run with it. The decklid is very much a part of the cooling system as it funnels the air into the engine compartment and then forces it to swirl around the engine and over the heads instead of just passing by it.

Ryan