I'm about to start rebuilding my 1200cc motor. I've done a lot of research, read a few books (including the Bentley Bible),and watched a few engine rebuilding videos. There seems to be some difference of opinion concerning the rear main seal. Some advocate applying glue on the outer edge of the seal so as to glue it in the case. I most often see Gasgacinch advocated as the glue of choice. The advocates of this method claim that it reduces the chances of leakage of the rear main seal. On the other hand, the VW shop manual mentions nothing along this line and it appears that VW never intended to glue in the rubber rear main seal. In general I am very reluctant to deviate from the VW shop manual, however I can see that it is possible that improved methods have been developed with an additional 40 years of experience with these engines. I curious as to what Bob and the other VW gurus think of this issue.
- posted
15 years ago