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Robw_z
Samba Member
Joined: April 28, 2007
Posts: 994
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 Posted: Sat Sep 04, 2021 9:28 am Post subject: Main Seal Madness |
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I haven't been able to park in my driveway for 6 months because of a leaking main seal. According to GoWesty, the SABO brand is the holy grail of Main Seal quality:
They also have an article which basically states "No matter hard we tried main seals kept leaking until we found the SABO brand seals. But we're out of 'em now so buy some of our leaky ones please!":
https://www.gowesty.com/tech-article-details.php?id=60
Van-Cafe had reviews on the main seal they sell as recently as 12 months ago stating they received the SABO brand seal. So I tried to order one, making sure it was SABO before finalizing the order, and they are out of SABO. This leaves Victor Reinz or Elring. The seal I ordered from GoWesty is Victor Reinz. Reasons GoWesty states for these being inferior quality is they are thinner (Mine measures 10mm thick, not sure how thick the SABO is), and the "choke spring" is weaker.
Victor Reinz seal received from GoWesty:
All I can think to do now is compensate for poor seal quality with attention to detail on installation. GoWesty sells a "main seal install kit" which imitates what is recommended in the Bentley:
I'll also probably polish the flyweel:
Since all Buses and Vanagons used the same main seal from 1972-1991; you'd think there would be some more options out there in the aftermarket. Is anybody aware of anything? Does anyone with a SABO or Elring seal have some insight into the specs or quality comparisons with the Victor Reinz I have?
Bottom line is I only want to do this job once. Thanks for any input! |
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Glenn 
Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001
Posts: 79679
Location: Sneaking up behind you
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| Posted: Sat Sep 04, 2021 9:32 am Post subject: Re: Main Seal Madness |
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My experience with with Type 1 engines and the Elring are superior to Victor Reinz. I've never had a leak from Elring. And the Victor Reinz seals just don't look as good.
With the amount of labor and time it takes to fix it a second time, I only use Elring.
Not sure if this applies to Vanagon engines but I doubt the quality differs much from Type 1s.
Good luck.
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Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"
Member #1009
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עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל חַי |
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DanHoug
Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2016
Posts: 5759
Location: Bemidji, MN
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| Posted: Sat Sep 04, 2021 9:41 am Post subject: Re: Main Seal Madness |
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that seal install tool will keep the new seal from getting distorted from hammer blows during installation. prolly worth $50 as they do tend to tip in and out during install.
the other thing to consider if you truly only want to do this once is install a Speedi Sleeve on the seal surface of the flywheel. they really work, are easy to install, and not too expensive given the labor of having to go back in again. i don't have the part number of the one needed but SKF has the charts to match your measurements.
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-dan
60% of what you find on the internet is wrong, including this post.
'87 Westy & '89 Westy both 2.1 4spd
Past projects can be found at--
www.thefixitworkshop.com |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32989
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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9.5isCanadian
Samba Member
Joined: September 16, 2017
Posts: 465
Location: In your blind spot.
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| Posted: Sat Sep 04, 2021 11:05 am Post subject: Re: Main Seal Madness |
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My buddy is resealimg his T4 WBX and just bought the rear main seal from the VW dealer. It’s full width with the elastomeric element inside.
Just my .02
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9 1/2 - missing a few pieces.
1987 Getaway Hightop
1980 Sunroof Vanagon
2018 BMW R Nine T
2012 Golf tdi |
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