15 replies to this topic

[smileytony]

Hi all, I've got a leak from the half moon seal (sprung on the way to the MOT centre).

I was just about to order all the relevant gaskets to split the engine again when I saw THIS.

It says it has a solid half moon seal and that you don't need to split the block/gearbox. Does anyone know how this is possible/if they work?!?!?!?



Thanks

[Ouster]

Some will tell you it's impossible, but I managed to do it, the old soft type seal had slipped half way around. I managed to push the hard seal in, and using the old one as a guide pushed it around whilst simultaneously pushing the old one out. Had to push extremely hard but it appeared to seat correctly.

Also, does anybody know of any other way to get a solid seal apart from buying that set?

[Guess-Works.com]

Nope, solid seals are pretty much impossible to get now, didn't even know there were kits still available... as minispares points out, these are date '06 hence that's nearly 4 years ago...

Personally, A half moon is best replaced with then engine out and box off...

[smileytony]

Thanks all, useful feedback!

I've ordered one of the kits to have a nose at it. I might attempt it but can't see how I'm going to get in behind the timing plate to fiddle one in?...This would mean the timing chain a camshaft retainer coming out as well wouldn't it? This would mean a re-time of the cam?

Hmm if I split it then at least I wouldn't have to do all that...!

[Ethel]

It'd be easier to remove the end plate than the whole engine.

[smileytony]

And then re-time the cam in?

[Ivor Badger]

If the kit is to fit the seal without splitting the engine and box, why does it contain every gasket and seal required to do so? If you were going to replace the seal without splitting, I would have thought you would need to remove the timing gears and cover. Thus the timing gear housing and front plate would be the gaskets you would get with the seal.

[smileytony]

I agree Ivor it does seem strange. I have spare gaskets to cover the rest.

I'm going to give this a go - it's not going to be hard to tell if it's worked or not. I can run the engine for long enough without a rad so that I can test it...

[Guess-Works.com]

It's an original rover gearbox kit, which is why it contains the solid 1/2 moon...

You use to be able to buy the individually, but now the stock has run out and the original manufacturer is not making any more... so any you get now are old stock.

[Ouster]

If you keep the engine at TDC and don't disturb the orientation of the gears when lifting them off, then I believe you should be fine?

[cobblers]

There should be dots on both timing pulleys. With the cover off, turn the engine so the dots line up facing each other, then put it all back together the same.

[MRA]

The solid type U seal is no longer available, because the company that used to make them for Rover has disappeared

I looked in to getting them re-made, the cost was going to be about £22 each to me for a minimum order of 1000

If I only wanted to get 100..... then the price went to £45 each..... UK made

[bmcecosse]

But why did the seal come out in the first place! ? Is there excessive crankcase pressure ? It should be well 'trapped' in there-shouldn't be able to come out.

[smileytony]

Fortunately it hasn't blown out! It's just leaking past it....

Thanks for all the advice everyone, I'm going to attempt to fit this next weekend and I'll let you all know how it goes!

[smileytony]

Hey all, just thought I'd drop you an update. These seals at first glance/fitting are GREAT! Mra it's a shame you can't get any made because I'd buy half a dozen!

Well to be honest I've fitted it and re-fitted everything else except the final cooling system. I've fitted a hose between the thermostat cover and water pump and put enough coolant in to test. No leaks so far!