Should I replace my side seal?
 

I know that the FSM limit for side seals to corner is .016 in, should i bother replacing a few seals that are .008. Most of the other seals are around .0015-.005. Thanks

Think about this for a few minutes....

If the maximum gap allowed is .016" and you are half of that...what reason is there to replace them (unless the mating surface is damaged)?

No.

- Ted

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Seriously though, no need to replace, you're well within spec.

depending on the rest of the build, i'd probably replace the seals. we're really shooting for the tight end of the spec, the side seal = piston ring. so we really want .002-.003" and .008" is ok, but .016" is like wizzard sleeves...

eewwwwwww :lol:

i'm just afraid of blow by. I guess I shouldn't worry to much since its close enough?

if you're worried about blow by then close enough probably isn't....

side seals, the underestimated tolerance.

When in doubt, replace. Nice tight (but not too tight) clearanced side seals make for a happy engine.

i never liked how loose the factory allowed the side seal tolerances, too sloppy and you will notice erratic results.

they are rather expensive but if you don't plan on cracking the engine open again for a while then spend the few bucks and do it right.

I have side seals from two engine so I grabbed a handful and got most of the seals to approximately .0016 to .004. I watched Aaron's video and he gets them very tight to the point where they just barely fit, how do i know if they are too tight? I made sure that they can move up and down and some of the seals are closer to .0016 then .002 would this be a problem?

I need 3 side seals. I wonder if I can purchase them individually?

Like, without a full rebuild kit?

Nope ull be fine, once the motor turns over the sideseal makes another .001 or so clearance when it presses up against the corner seal. Hence why people clearance n/a motors for zero clearance.

I grind them until the point at which the seal moves freely in the groove, and no more. I strive for as close to zero clearance as possible.

yes.

to know if they are too tight press down on an edge next to a corner seal, it will stick in the down position. now press the center section of the seal and the edge should pop up, if it doesn't then it is too tight.