Re-using Apex Seals ?
 

Hello Fellow Rotorheads,

I am smack in the middle of my first rebuild. It is out of a 1990 Red Vert with a pristine body on it. I bought the car last summer and after about 5,000 miles
(125,000 total miles) it started the dreaded "steam cloud" everytime I started it. After some research here , I found this could only be repaired with a rebuild. Since my girlfriend has the twin to this car I figured I might as well jump in with both feet and tackle this on my own. I build special machinery for a living so I'm not completely out of my element.

Low and behold, I found water port damage to the front housing. I have a used housing on it's way which I purchased from Mazdatrix. They lapped it before sending. Can't really afford a new one. This brings about my question.

Is re-using Apex Seals an absurd notion ? The service manual is very explicit about trying to keep all the seals in order when removing them , but most of the threads I have read sound as though new apex and corner seals are a must. Am I reading the wrong threads or is this an accurate assesment ?

If so, should I stick with the original two piece design apex seal or is one of the newer designs a better alternative.

Thanks for any help.

If you are trying to be as cheap as possible, you can reuse all of the hard seals. Mazda lists tolerances for what is in or out of spec. New parts are generally preferred as they will have a longer service life as they are not partially worn.

as long as you reuse a seal that's not worn out (measure it), and it goes back in the same groove it came from, you should be fine.

How many miles are on the seals you have now?

125,000 miles

I would change them honestly. Sounds like you've definitely gotten enough use out of them. You may even be able to get another 30k, but I would say they are past 75% of their life span. If it was me, I would check the specs and see how close they are. That will give you a better idea.

Thank you Jrexx, that's the kind of info I was looking for. Not trying to be cheap just practical. There are some things like the clutch and pressure plate, that for the cost, are a no-brainer to replace while the thing is all tore apart. I was trying to get a feel for just how "perishable" these seals are.

Besides the port damage to the front housing the rest of the housings and the rotors look very good, I think this car was very well cared for and not abused. Bought it from a 60 year old couple that had it for almost 20 years.

When replacing , do I stick with the original two piece design , or are the newer designs an improvment ? I believe Atkins has their own design , yes ?