[xk-engine] Rear main seal installation

XK-Engine
1

Hi all,

I’ll soon be installing the oem two piece seal in a Series
3 XJ6 4.2L engine. The manual refers to Red Hermetite sealing compound, which doesn’t seem to exist in Australia. Can you recommend an alternative? I’m currently considering Loctite No.3 non
sealing compound, which doesn’t seem to exist in
Australia. Can you recommend an alternative? I’m
currently considering Loctite No.3 non-hardening…

Regards,–
Simon Ellery S1 XJ6
Kalgoorlie, Australia
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–

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2

In reply to a message from Colonial 1 sent Sat 30 Jul 2016:

Please ignore the ‘‘non sealing’’ part
of the question!–
Simon Ellery S1 XJ6
Kalgoorlie, Australia
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
–Support Jag-lovers - Donate at http://www.jag-lovers.org/donate04.php –

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3

Simon,

I usually use Loctite 518 for most sealing jobs around the engine. The
proviso is that if you have to disassemble, then 518 can be a little hard to
remove. http://www.loctite.com.au/3320_AUE_HTML.htm?nodeid=8802626633729

Technically, it is a metal to metal sealant. But I have used it as an extra
safety measure around the circumference on cam and crank seals when I don’t
trust the sealing surfaces. It is a red anaerobic sealant that can withstand
full oil pressure when “set”.

It should be available from SuperCheap or Repco. Might be called Permatex
518(13).

Rgds
Mark-----Original Message-----

I’ll soon be installing the oem two piece seal in a Series
3 XJ6 4.2L engine. The manual refers to Red Hermetite sealing compound,
which doesn’t seem to exist in Australia.

//please trim quoted text to context only

4

In reply to a message from Mark Eaton sent Thu 4 Aug 2016:

Thanks for your comments Mark. I’m thinking of going with
something more flexible for installing the seal into the
housing.–
Simon Ellery S1 XJ6
Kalgoorlie, Australia
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
–Support Jag-lovers - Donate at http://www.jag-lovers.org/donate04.php –

//please trim quoted text to context only

5

In reply to a message from Colonial 1 sent Sat 30 Jul 2016:

My Factory Manual for the XJS says the following.
Pre-size rear oil seal using Service Tool JD.17B together
with adaptor JD.17B-1. Smear rear oil seal with Colloidal
Graphite.
For a Tool use a 3.125’’ dia. bar or Pipe.
I have been rebuilding Jag engines for 50+ years and never
had one leak yet.–
The original message included these comments:

I’ll soon be installing the oem two piece seal in a Series
3 XJ6 4.2L engine. The manual refers to Red Hermetite sealing compound, which doesn’t seem to exist in Australia. Can you recommend an alternative? I’m currently considering Loctite No.3 non

–
850225/679,1E21003,2W2001BW,JNAEY3AC100218,SAJNV4841KC156072
MELTON, Australia
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
–Support Jag-lovers - Donate at http://www.jag-lovers.org/donate04.php –

//please trim quoted text to context only

6

I’ve now installed this seal, although not using the proper sizing tool. I currently have 20 - 25 ft.lb of torque required to turn the crank with just the seal installed (no main caps, no rods). Has anyone measured breakaway torque with a proper seal installation that I can use as a guide?

The seal is graphite impregnated, and I added some more graphite before dropping in the crank to make sure it was overdone. I’m not sure if these seals have expansive properties once they see some oil, so I’m avoiding oiling the seal at this stage.

7

Whoa…20 ft/lbs!?..WAY too much…the seal will overheat and destroy itself in no time…sizing the seal is a good idea. You should be able to spin the crank with just your hand twisting the front snout. FWIW, I would at least install(but maybe not fully torque) the center cap WITH thrust washers when you do your next test.

8

Thanks - that’s a handy benchmark to work to. I had done some “sizing”, but clearly more is needed…