Type 3 Oil Leak

[Loretta007]

My otherwise leak free Type 3 Single Port has developed a slight oil seep from the Main Bearing Stud nearest the Flywheel. Is it safe to remove the nut and possibly replace it with one of those self sealing nuts without having to strip the engine

[Multi69s]

As long as you have good access, I don't think it would hurt anything. You might also want to use the white Permatex thread sealant as well.
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[KTPhil]

If it is one of the face-sealing nuts, there are opinions on this:
- VW tried it but found they tended to dig into the case where they seal, especially if over-torqued.
- The stock washer, thick because it is intended to spread the load, can't be used with the sealing nut, since it defeats its sealing function.
- Some mistake a sealing nut for a nylock nut, which does not seal. These are not the same:

[Multi69s]

[KTPhil]

On a Nylock, the plastic grips the bolt/stud threads, keeping it from loosening.

On a sealing nut, the plastic is on the face the the nut gets tightened against (in this case the engine block) to form a seal.

[Loretta007]

On the subject of self sealing nuts ( not Nylocs ). Are we sure that the sealing face does goes towards the block ? I have seen videos of so called “ VW Expert” engine builders installing them the other way round (YouTube vwdarrin). I suppose the torque loading would be compromised when compressing the rubber if it were to be installed facing the block. Anyway, they are not available here in the U.K.

[Loretta007]

YouTube. vwdarrin How to build a stock 1600 vw motor part 2. 9:10.

[KTPhil]

[Loretta007]

In his videos (vwdarrin) he makes it clear that he uses the red self sealing nuts with silicone under the washers and then the nut with the seal uppermost to prevent oil from seeping up the threads. I can see his point as the correct torque would not be applied when having to squash a rubber seal against the crankcase.

[KTPhil]

Post a link? That sounds wrong!

[Loretta007]

https://youtu.be/wTCKMUAWl4o

[KTPhil]

The video is a little too blurry to tell for sure, but those look like nyloks to me.

He is using "sealer" on both the stud threads and the undersides of the washers. This should provide complete, albeit messy sealing, and so the nut is a nylok in order to stay tight, not to seal.

If he was using sealing nuts to seal, he wouldn't have applied sealer, and he would have installed them face down, sans washers. This was recommended for a time, but it was found the hard steel nuts cut into the case without a washer, causing poor torque retention and leaks, and so this practice was discontinued.

[Erik G]

I thought that name sounded familiar - yep, sex offender and should have his youtube page pulled. he's a hack anyways, lots of sealant where you don't need it, etc. watch out who you consider an x-purt
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