I've mostly assembled my shortblock with some problems, cracked it open, and the rubber coolant seals (coated in Vaseline) came out. At this point, after washing them with dawn (in an effort to remove the Vaseline) and throwing them into a dehydrator; (an attempt to remove the moisture that the Vaseline put into them) all I'm left with is 4 outer coolant seals, too big to fit into their groove.

Is there any way to reduce their size? Or am I stuck buying another set (which will make 10 total) of outer coolant seals?

 

I dont know that I'd use thos again, and Im not sure why youre having so much trouble. THe water seals are generally the easy part of assembly. Are you sure you have the grooves completely cleaned out and free of grease/oil? Are you using hylomar to hold the seals in place? (I think it works much better than vaseline or anything else since it is super sticky but never dries hard).

 

Nope. Time to get Hylomar. NOW, where's the cheapest place I can get a set of 4 outer coolant seals? This SUCKS. $60 wasted.

 

There might be a way you can use them, but if theyre stretched like you say more than 1/2" then Id say not. Definitely use hylomar on all the coolant seals. Just get a tip from any other sealant tube and put on the tube of hylomar. Use the tip to put an even bead inside the groove of the seals, then install teh seals, then put the hylomar on your finger and smear it lightly over both tracks of the rotor housing(where it will meet the water jackets). This guarantees a good seal. The hylomar will not interfere with anything even if it did seep into the coolant passages since it remains pliable forever.

 

Cool deal. Now, any clue where I can get 4 more for less than $40?

 

Nope. Ive never heard of anyplace that sells them individually, just as an oring kit selling for about $80-90.

 

Mazdatrix sells them individually, for about $7 each, I believe.

 

They didn't expand due to moisture, they expanded due to oil contamination from the Vaseline.

Next time skip the Vaseline and use Hylomar instead. It won't cause the seals to swell up like that.

 

Good post as i am going to try this soon, and i was going to bust out the Vaseline. Exactly where can i get this "hylomar" and what is it? Thanks

 

Hylomar is just non-hardening gasket sealer. They sell it everywhere.

 

The outers are like 6.87 and the inners are 18.something...

 

Thanks Felix

 

Cool deal. THX Adam. UNDER $7 a peice. PLUS $18 SS clutch line

 

No prob. BTW, the SS clutch hose is awesome. I love mine

 

Speaking of using 'contaminated' o-rings.... I used hylomar for assembly. But I accidentally got oil on two of the o-rings (an inner and an outer). Is it possible to just wipe them down and use them? Or otherwise clean them up without damaging them?

I seem to recall that getting oil on the o-rings is to be avoided.