Is it possible to replace coolant seals without rebuilding the rotating assembly? My car has good compression-- just blown seals...

PJ

 

If the coolant seals failed due to overheating then chances are one or both your rotor housings may have warped also, in which case the new seals will blow shortly after. If there was no overheating involved then you can just overhaul the motor but at the very minimum replace the springs, they are not very expensive.

 

Yes, the same rotating assembly can be used (rotors, rotor seals, and shaft) but the entire engine has to be disassembled to get to the coolant seals.

 

thanks for the direct answers.

PJ

 

PJ! YA geek! where ya been?

 

I would take the time to measure every component while apart. It will save you a fortune if the apex seals are worn. Reusing them and later blowing one will cost you an arm and a leg. If they are not in the top half as far as quality and spec, i would replace them!

 

Bad coolant seals can mean ugliness inside the engine. Apex seals can rust into their grooves, side seals can stick, plates can rust, etc. Until you get into the engine, you don't know what you're in for.

If the other seals are in good condition, then you CAN reuse them. However, a set of apex seals is about $300. Totally worth it to replace unless the engine was just recently rebuilt. Side seals and the hard oil-rings don't generally wear all that much, but the rubber o-rings should be replaced. Might as well get the corner seal buttons while you're in there.