I'm in the middle of my rebuild and I was wondering, how many of you guys have re-used apex seals and side seals? The motor I took apart was not blown and the seals were almost all in tact after the teardown. I have a smooth groove in the rear rotor housing eminating in both directions from the exhaust port. Which I think I will need to replace. However, all the seals look great. I am hesitant to re-use them and I would like to hear your experiences. I plan on buying solid corner seals with FD springs as well as replacing the oil control ring inserts with viton ones. Should I re-use seals to save my self some time and money, both of which are obviously at a premium?

 

If your going to take the time to rebuild your engine, then you should buy new seals and replace your old ones. It only takes like $500 to rebuild your engine, just spend the money, it's inexpensive.

 

Actually it only takes about 1500$ to rebuild your engine properly, not 500$.

 

ditch apex seals, and check side seals to be in spec, if they are then reuse them

 

dDub posted awhile back a full list of parts for a rebuild that came to $500 and last I check his engine is still running strong.

 

I re-used my side seals and corner seals. I WOULD NOT re-use the spex seals unless they only had 5k miles on them or something like that.

 

the only time i would reuse apex seals is if they had less than 10k miles on them, they were in one of my own engines, there was no visible wear on the seals and housings and only if they were going back into their original placements in the rotor and housing.

 

IDK about you, but I change all my seals....its one less thing to worry about if later you have a little trouble

 

If you're keeping your any of your seals, get new SPRINGS at least.

Oh and of course get new coolant seals (duh).

 

I reuse all seals that are well within the tolerances. First of all they are seated(worn) to there respective housings, second of all, that's why they have specs on them. You may however want to replace all of the springs. Just my 2 cents. Bottom line, it's your call. If you do go with all new seals it will be a lot harder to start for the first 1k or so.

Brent.

 

ok, well I have to disagree with the 500 dollar rebuild. I'm looking more at 1500. The gasket set alone is like 350. I have planned on replacing all the seals but I'm starting to get impatient so thats why I asked your opinions. I don't know the original locations for the seals so maybe that alone is enough to justify new seals. As far as the oil control rings, you guys reuse them right? Couldn't see why not

 

Rotary aviation has some good prices.