Reply To: Awkward Sump Gasket

[BernieParticipant]

David,

At least the seals are not too small – that is good news.

So, …….. are you trying to fit the seal with the bearing cap in place?  If you are, I believe it will be virtually impossible to get the seal perfectly seated.  Not only will the seal need to be persuaded into the groove but it must then be accurately cut to length at each end once it is correctly located (per my earlier notes).

If I read your initial posting correctly you are not attempting to replace the main sump gaskets …..?  However, I fear you may have to disturb the ends because you will almost certainly have to remove the bearing cap in order to fit the seal on the bench.  When you remove the cap there is a strong likelihood of damaging the ends of the main gasket strips where they are pinched between the block and the cap.  If you are very careful, you may be able to cut across the width of both sump gaskets (using a scalpel or similar) at the points where they disappears under the cap.  Having done that, when you reassemble you will need to reuse (or replace) the small pieces of gasket trapped under the cap and you will also need to apply some sort of sealant to ensure you fully close the joint you have created.

Personally I would advocate completely replacing the gaskets as well as the cap seals but I appreciate this will entail additional work you would probably rather avoid if possible.

I note you live about an hour from me.  If it helps you will be most welcome to bring the cap, shim and seal here and I will be pleased to at least assist you to assemble and trim the joint to length.

B……………….