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"Shellac" the seal?

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PatGalvin

PatGalvin

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"Shellac" the seal?

Hello All

OK, engine assembly is starting. Photos to follow soon.

First, I purchased "modern" rear main oil seal from BPNW and had crank machined. Does anyone know the procedure for installation of one of these? It didn't come with directions.

Second, what does Triumph mean when they say to "shellac the oil seal" or "dip felt packing strip into shellac"? I am trying to produce a nonleaker, or low-leaker. Would like to get the front seal and rear seal installed in the smartest way possible. If anyone has done this and can provide tips on install of each, I'd be very appreciative. I have Wellseal, hylomar, and RTV so I feel like I'm armed and dangerous. Just need some tips.

Thanks much

Pat
 
Re: "Shellac" the seal?

Pat,

You'll need Indian Head shellac to soak the felt packing (cut pieces into 1" lengths) before tamping it in.

Suggest that BPNW provide the instructions since they sold you their kit.
"How did you get the crank machined without instructions?"

References for you:
https://www.socaltriumphs.org/docs/mainseal.htm
https://www.mossmotors.com/graphics/products/PDF/837-005.pdf

There's more info on the web. Also measure the spring for the seal. To ensure a tight seal, it should be cut to exactly 8" long.
 
Re: "Shellac" the seal?

PatGalvin said:
First, I purchased "modern" rear main oil seal from BPNW and had crank machined. Does anyone know the procedure for installation of one of these? It didn't come with directions.
Click to expand...
My understanding is that there have been several different "high tech" seal kits on the market. I have the instructions for the kit sold by Racetorations (and resold by others including BFE), but I don't know if it's the same kit you have.
https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B2H2...5NzUz&hl=en
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]Second, what does Triumph mean when they say to "shellac the oil seal" or "dip felt packing strip into shellac"?[/QUOTE]"Gasket shellac" is a generic name for products like Permatex #3 Aviation Form-A-Gasket. That is what I use for the felt.

Edit: Rather than just "dipping" the felt, I prefer to let it soak for a bit, so the felt gets saturated. I just pour some shellac into a dish of some sort, cut the felt into chunks about 3/4 long and drop several of them into the dish. That makes more of a mess, as the shellac will get squeezed out as you tamp the felt into place, but helps ensure there is plenty to form a seal.

Also note that some gasket sets don't have enough felt supplied. Each 3/4" section should be tamped tightly into the hole; and if you aren't left with some sticking out at the end, you don't have enough. BFE sells just the felt, for that reason, (or you can source it from MMC et al).

Hylomar is my preference for the aluminum seal to block/cap joint; but RTV will work as well. Just be sure to remove any 'strings' that get squeezed out.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:] Just need some tips. [/QUOTE]
One of the most important things is to be sure the crank doesn't get ground too small. One of our local club members made the mistake of following the directions, and it leaked worse than before! Here are some more things to watch for:
https://personal.linkline.com/koblinger/trsc/tech%20articles/mainseal.htm
 
Re: "Shellac" the seal?

Thanks Peter and Randall
Machine shop had directions - they didn't make it back home with me. BPNW is faxing another set. Thanks also for info on "shellac". Very helpful.
I'll send a good photo update on the rebuild on Monday. Exciting time.

pat
 
Re: "Shellac" the seal?

What type of gasket compound, of any, do you use on surfaces such as timing chain cover, engine front plate to block, water pump to block, etc? Would I use Hylomar between all these surfaces or do they go on dry? Thanks again.

Pat
 
Re: "Shellac" the seal?

I use Hylomar, on both sides of a gasket.
 
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