Bus engine seal - how & when to put in.

[mr matt]

Greetings!

Finally will be putting my bus engine back in tomorrow, and was wondering at what point does the foam seal go in ( around the engine) It seems with the engine in, it would be too difficult to get the seal in a that time, yet putting it on when the engine is out, would cause lack of engine maneuverability while the engine is going in

so not sure how to proceed with this

Thanks!

Matt
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1955 3-fold semaphore Oval beetle
1971 Convertible beetle
1977 Westfalia, FI, Berlin interior

[timvw7476]

six of one half a dozen of the other......
because of the design, you have to hand fit it around the perimeter, so
it gets installed when engine bolts to transaxle. : (
That is only if you want the engine compartment properly sealed.
EDIT: ^ I assumed the transaxle was already bolted to chassis^

[mr matt]

Oh yea, want that engine sealed right!

Ok, so after you put the engine in, and bolt it up, then there is enough room to somehow insert the gasket around the perimeter. Just did not seem like there is much room there.. but enough I guess then.
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1955 3-fold semaphore Oval beetle
1971 Convertible beetle
1977 Westfalia, FI, Berlin interior

[timvw7476]

the foam units have a deep slit on both sides, one to engage engine tin, the
other for the chassis flange, I've got one rotting engine seal myself right now.

[mr matt]

Thanks, I paid attention to how the foam is attached, was just not sure if it can be put in while the engine is in tight. Seems like a real pain. .. have not tried it yet.

A VW manual talks about putting a support bar under the tranny when the engine is out. - or as it is coming out. Did not do this.. never heard of it.

OOops!
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1955 3-fold semaphore Oval beetle
1971 Convertible beetle
1977 Westfalia, FI, Berlin interior

[Volswagon]

After everything is in place, start one lip of the seal onto engine tins, black side towards street, up toward middle of firewall tin. Work it in around motor, while going back to squeeze other seal lip in, stretching it slightly around the turns. Easier if exhaust is not yet installed.

It is surprisingly easy to squeeze it into the gaps as you work your way around the motor back to the firewall. If you're left with a gap, better it be up high, on the firewall tin. When you're done, you realize it was one of the easiest tasks on the motor.
Last in, first out, if you're gentle, it can survive several cycles.
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I know the pieces fit, cos I watched them fall away.
Wanna hear God laugh? Just talk about your plans.

'75 Bus https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=697183&highlight=

[Wildthings]

Once you get the seal most of the way in from the top you can go underneath and pull the edges down from below to neaten the job up.

[Volswagon]

Bought my first one at the dealer 20 yrs. ago for ~$100. Imagine my shock when my Import Parts guy had it for ~$35. Got another from him last week for $40+tax.
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I know the pieces fit, cos I watched them fall away.
Wanna hear God laugh? Just talk about your plans.

'75 Bus https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=697183&highlight=

[Wildthings]

[Lil Lulu]

Make sure to untuck the bottom side right away or the damn thing will take a set all crumpled up. Mine was a bitch to get straight again.
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'65 Beetle "Lil' Lulu"- Ruby Red
1600 stock from '71 bus

'72 Deluxe - Niagara Blue w/pastelwiess Camper Special 2L dual 40 Webers 002

'74 Hightop Weekender "Dixie" 1800 34 Del singles

[mr matt]

OK! Thanks, looking forward to doing this, as it means at this point the engine is in!

Matt
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1955 3-fold semaphore Oval beetle
1971 Convertible beetle
1977 Westfalia, FI, Berlin interior

[Terminatez]

Did it last Saturday. Just use your fingers and push/pull/massage it in. Wear gloves so you don't scratch your nails.
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1972 Westfalia P30 hardtop Campmobile [On-going Restoration]

[mr matt]

Thanks Terminatez , no worries, I don't use nail polish!

Seems like it is more an effort of patience.....
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1955 3-fold semaphore Oval beetle
1971 Convertible beetle
1977 Westfalia, FI, Berlin interior

[Volswagon]

[Terminatez]

LOL! That was an auto-corrected typo brought to you by my phone.
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1972 Westfalia P30 hardtop Campmobile [On-going Restoration]