15 replies to this topic

[whiskymac]

Hi,

I've got my engine and gearbox split at the moment, I need to replace the half moon seal when I reconnect.

I've ended up with the rigid seal, which I thought was more of a repair part that could be fitted without splitting engine from gearbox.... Question is, can it be used anyway, or should I be using the normal flexible one?

Thanks!

[nicklouse]

i would used the flexy one on a rebuild.

[whiskymac]

That was my gut feeling, just wanted to check!

I'll pop and get a flexible one.

[Tupers]

The original ones fitted at the factory were rigid. The replacements only became flexible extrusions because they were cheaper to make than moulding rubber around a piece of steel.

These days I’d go for a rigid one from Mini Spares but I’ve gotten many flexible ones with no problem although they do sometimes need trimming.

[whiskymac]

That's interesting, I'd anyways assumed they were originally flexible.

[cian]

I use Rigid on my builds, the shape and form is far superior

[Cooperman]

I have always used the flexible ones with no problems. I never trim them, just apply some 'instant gasket', let it go off a bit, then lower the engine onto the 'box.

[Spider]

I too have only ever used the flexy ones since day dot, I haven't had an issue. Not to say the rigid ones aren't OK, just I've never used one.

 

I thought the rigid ones were introduced as a replacement spare part so that it could be changed in situ?

[whiskymac]

I too have only ever used the flexy ones since day dot, I haven't had an issue. Not to say the rigid ones aren't OK, just I've never used one.

 

I thought the rigid ones were introduced as a replacement spare part so that it could be changed in situ?

 

That was always my impression!

 

 

I use Rigid on my builds, the shape and form is far superior

 

I've just offered the rigid seal up and, from memory, it seems much better than the flexi I used last time.

[DeadSquare]

That's interesting, I'd anyways assumed they were originally flexible.

 

They were flexible in 1979

[Tupers]

Yep I’ll have to concede on this one. It even says they were introduced by Rover in the Mini Spares description for their reproduction ridged ones.

I’ve clearly been working off duff information...

[whiskymac]

Talking of half moon seals and sealing them with a bead of silicone...

Is RTV sealant necessary, or will any silicone sealant do? I've got some sikaflex somewhere which I assume would be fine?

Thanks!

[whistler]

Original 60's half moon seal was semi rigid (rust red in colour I think) and never gave any problems. I certainly had no leaks on engines I rebuilt back then. I've used the modern black semi rigid ones from Minispares and so far no leaks.

[cian]

I use this great loctite sealant, can’t remember the code, i believe it starts mr26

[Spider]

Talking of half moon seals and sealing them with a bead of silicone...

Is RTV sealant necessary, or will any silicone sealant do? I've got some sikaflex somewhere which I assume would be fine?

Thanks!

 

RTV is an Oil Proof Silicon Based Sealant, Many other 'Silicons' are not Oil Proof, including I think Sikaflex.

 

I use Loctite (or Permatex) no. 3 Sealant on these.

 

The issue with RTV on these is that until it goes off, the RTV will act as a lubricant and allow the seal to slip out of place.