Replacing tension bolt seals of assembled engine

need RX7 · 09-29-2014, 02:25 AM

I recently painted my S5 n/a engine. I pulled out the #18 tension bolt so it was out of the way, and to paint it individually to make it look nice. When I did so, the dowty seal was in pretty lousy shape, basically just a washer with bits of rubber clinging to it. I figure if that one looked like that, the others might also be in bad shape.

I would like to replace all of the seals, and would like to confirm the safe method to do so. If I remove them, reinstall them, and torque them one at a time would that be okay? Should I go 1-18, or 18-1? Does the order even matter? It seems pretty straightforward, but I want to make extra sure that I'm not going to mess anything up.

EDIT: I looked at the seals again and it looks the the rubber is actually all there, but it's flat and hard. I'd still be more comfortable replacing them. The engine was rebuilt at some point before I bought it, but I don't know exactly when.

RETed · 09-29-2014, 04:27 AM

If it's not leaking, don't worry about it...
There is very little stress on the seals at that location.
You'll do more harm than good trying to replace them...for the sake of replacing them.

-Ted

need RX7 · 09-29-2014, 07:04 PM

Hmm. I'll leave them alone, then.

09-29-2014, 07:04 PM	#3
need RX7 Clean S4 Nutswinger Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sterling Heights, MI Posts: 485 Rep Power: 18	Hmm. I'll leave them alone, then. __________________ -Ted -1986 Mazda RX7 Sport [DD/beater]: engine finally let go at 205k. parts car status. -1986 Mazda RX7 base [resto-mod project]: S5 n/a swap in progress.

09-29-2014, 02:25 AM	#1
need RX7 Clean S4 Nutswinger Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sterling Heights, MI Posts: 485 Rep Power: 18	Replacing tension bolt seals of assembled engine I recently painted my S5 n/a engine. I pulled out the #18 tension bolt so it was out of the way, and to paint it individually to make it look nice. When I did so, the dowty seal was in pretty lousy shape, basically just a washer with bits of rubber clinging to it. I figure if that one looked like that, the others might also be in bad shape. I would like to replace all of the seals, and would like to confirm the safe method to do so. If I remove them, reinstall them, and torque them one at a time would that be okay? Should I go 1-18, or 18-1? Does the order even matter? It seems pretty straightforward, but I want to make extra sure that I'm not going to mess anything up. EDIT: I looked at the seals again and it looks the the rubber is actually all there, but it's flat and hard. I'd still be more comfortable replacing them. The engine was rebuilt at some point before I bought it, but I don't know exactly when. __________________ -Ted -1986 Mazda RX7 Sport [DD/beater]: engine finally let go at 205k. parts car status. -1986 Mazda RX7 base [resto-mod project]: S5 n/a swap in progress. Last edited by need RX7; 09-29-2014 at 02:30 AM.