mk1-forum.net

What is the best method for getting this to seal right, I think I have read that it needs to be no more than 1.8mm high above the block (is that both sides or a total?) then just a bit of hylomar?

Ive always cut them down so there is 1mm or 2 poking up either side, and then blobbed on some RTV sealant on both sides.

Recently I found that fitting it after the block and box are bolted together allows it to be left longer, and makes it a VERY snug fit and not had any leaks so far.

I have always fitted these seals as is & never have I had a problem. I also use gasket sealer on both sides of the joint.

I have never shortened one either and I too use RTV on each side.
I tend to fit them to the (upturned) block and then drop the gearbox on though.

Cheers guys, I was a bit worried that being so much bigger it may gimp a bit but I shall give it a go as is then.

Put the seal on the engine first, not the box. Easiest way is to put the engine upside down, fit the gaskets on the block and the lower the box onto the block. The gearbox is lighter than the engine and you can see the bolts and fit them downwards.

the seal is the length it is supposed to be.

ivor badger wrote:Put the seal on the engine first, not the box. Easiest way is to put the engine upside down, fit the gaskets on the block and the lower the box onto the block.

Just like they did at the factory

I cut them down, but I've now as much as I can, stopped using non genuine gaskets. The genuine ones are far better.
I fit them on the engine as well with sealant on both sides. Make that all four sides.

ceejam wrote:

ivor badger wrote:Put the seal on the engine first, not the box. Easiest way is to put the engine upside down, fit the gaskets on the block and the lower the box onto the block.

Just like they did at the factory

Exactly and they didn't leak from the factory. Maybe they knew something about building mini engines.

I never cut them, but ensure that they stay in position when lowering the block onto the box (or the box onto the block). I always check proper fitment before fitting the front plate. If the front plate is already fitted to the block, they can go nowhere anyway.

Exactly and they didn't leak from the factory.

Well, some of them didn't.