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Side seal question before rebuild and lapping question.

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Old May 24, 2008 | 06:30 PM
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FC3S Murray's Avatar
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Side seal question before rebuild and lapping question.

I am about to rebuild a motor from misc good parts from three other 13BT's.
My question is would it be wise to use used side seals (within spec) in conjunction with new 2 piece apex seals?

I have about 32 side seals laying around the garage from motore that have either blow a apex seal or haved spun main bearings. About 24 side seals are well within limits. I do plan on buying new side seal springs though.

Just curious if it would affect break in time any different? I am aware of compression issues if the side seals are out of spec.

Second question is I am in the Air National Guard and have access to a lapping machine at my bases machine shop. The machine is digital and very percise and should have no problem lapping the side housings in one pass. BUT i have heard that the irons need to be treated with nitrogen gas injection after the lapping. How crucial is this nitrogen treatment to the wear life of the side/intermediate housings?

I just want to do this right but DO NOT want to pay Mazdatrix prices AND shipping from Montana to Cali. Looking at over 450.00$ for just lapping. Hold the smart *** remarks I am a tight ***.

Thanks for your help, it is appreciated.
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Old May 24, 2008 | 07:42 PM
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farberio's Avatar
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From: Norcal, Bay Area
Originally Posted by FC3S Murray
I am about to rebuild a motor from misc good parts from three other 13BT's.
My question is would it be wise to use used side seals (within spec) in conjunction with new 2 piece apex seals?

I have about 32 side seals laying around the garage from motore that have either blow a apex seal or haved spun main bearings. About 24 side seals are well within limits. I do plan on buying new side seal springs though.

Just curious if it would affect break in time any different? I am aware of compression issues if the side seals are out of spec.

Second question is I am in the Air National Guard and have access to a lapping machine at my bases machine shop. The machine is digital and very percise and should have no problem lapping the side housings in one pass. BUT i have heard that the irons need to be treated with nitrogen gas injection after the lapping. How crucial is this nitrogen treatment to the wear life of the side/intermediate housings?

I just want to do this right but DO NOT want to pay Mazdatrix prices AND shipping from Montana to Cali. Looking at over 450.00$ for just lapping. Hold the smart *** remarks I am a tight ***.

Thanks for your help, it is appreciated.
The side seals should be fine, but replace all springs like you said you would.

I have read on the club that lapped irons could be worse then used irons solely because it takes off the treatment...but you should take an opinion from somebody that is more knowledgeable about it.
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