I searched and didn't see this specific question answered so here goes... I had to buy a new rotor for my 10AE rebuild and am currently working on clearancing my side seals to the correct length. While the seals do move up and down in the groove, I can barely get a feeler gauge to check the clearance between the seal and groove. Next, I checked the apex seal groove clearance and it was also tighter than what the FSM states (<0.002). Again, both the side seal and apex seal move freely within the grooves on the brand new rotor. They just measure tighter clearance than what is listed in the FSM.

My best guess that the clearances listed in the FSM are for reusing existing parts and that it doesn't necessarily apply to brand new parts. Clearly the grooves are going to open up as the engine runs and wear starts to occur. I just want to make sure that I'm not overlooking something as this is my first rebuild and I am using a mixture of new and used parts.

I apologize that I don't have the exact clearance measurements as I dont have the paper with me that I wrote them down on. I can provide that information if necessary. Thanks again for any help you can provide.

 

yes, the tolerances is for checking the reusability of existing parts. if out of tolerance, replacement parts is necessary.