hey everyone,
been having some problems with my 12a powered GSL.

my compression test shows that my rear rotor isn't doing its job, and i need to finally determine if the apex seals are shot or what is going on.

i know that it is possible to visually inspect the apex seals from the exhaust manifold side, but i am afraid to remove the manifold because it has been there for so long and don't want to break anything.

i have also heard that you can inspect them from the spark plug side...can anyone confirm this or give instructions?

if not, how exactly can i inspect them from the exhaust manifold side, and is the car safe to run without an exhaust manifold?

thanks in advance.

 

IMO the 12a ports are too small to really get a good look, and none of them let you see the corners of the seals.

the spark plug way is simple, you take the leading plug out, and with a mirror, you spin the engine around until the apex seal is centered in the hole. its a bit tricky as the hole and the seal is small. seal is silver, everything else will be dark

 

What did the compression test show? One weak apex seal or 2 or more? It's possible to get a decent look at the seals from the exhaust side if you know someone who has a boroscope. That will give you a chance to check the housings for flakeing too.

 

the compression test was the wooosh woosh method. the first rotor sounded very strong, and the rear one barely made any noise at all.

so once i pull the plugs and look at the seals with a mirror what am i looking for to see if they are stuck or need rebuilding?

 

1st check to see if they are still there