[E-Type] Rear Seal Sizing Tool

Jerry;
I’ve installed a number of these “rope” seals, on Jags, Ford
tractors and a number of other engines… I never had any “special tool”,
but was taught that it is most important that ALL of the graphite
impregnated rope be forced down into the seal groove… and gap between the
seal and the bottom of the groove WILL result in a leaking seal in short
order…
I simply used a large (1 1/2") round socket to “roll” the seal into
place… Work it in slowly, don’t try to install ALL of one end and move to
the other… I like to start in the middle and work my way “out”… Once you
are satisfied that the seal is “bottomed”… then take a sharp (new) razor
blade and cut off the excess ends that stick up above the block… but leave
about two millimeters “proud” of the block and cap… this seems to help
“compress” the rope tighter into the groove and may be the key to my
successes.
May others will, I’m sure, disagree with my method… You at your
own risk.
Charles #677556.----- Original Message -----
From: Gaknoro@aol.com
To: e-type@jag-lovers.org; xk-engine@jag-lovers.org; xj@jag-lovers.org
Sent: Thursday, January 02, 2003 3:22 PM
Subject: [xk-engine] Rear Seal Sizing Tool

Folks,

It’s time to re-assemble my 4.2L XK engine after being apart for a couple
of
years. On reading the various references, I keep coming up against the
rear
oil seal sizing issue. I’ve searched the archives, and while it’s been
asked
for (several times), no one seems to have the special Churchill J17 tool
needed to do this (nor did I see any reference to dimensions of the tool
needed to fabricate one). I did note a couple of options such as
replacing
the original rope with a modern equivalent, and also, just “rolling” it in
without using a sizing tool.

So, what’s the latest consensus: a) is the tool available for a reasonable
sum and where, b) does anyone know where to rent it, c) is anyone willing
to
loan it out, d) does anyone know the correct dimensions so that one could
be
fabricated, or e) is it really necessary?

Thanks and Happy New Year to all,
Jerry from Albuquerque

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