GregBBRD

I've had both Victor Reinz and Kaco leak, lately.....enough that i'm currently not installing any engine that I replaced the flywheel seal on, without running it on my test stand. Flywheel seal on a manual is just an inconvenience. On an automatic...it's a disaster.

As most of you are probably aware, Victor Reinz is a gasket maker....not a seal maker. For years, they sourced their seals from other companies, but in the last few years, they apparently opened a plant in China and from what I can find out, they are now making their own seals.

I've not tried Corteco....not were where those are made.

I'm currently using seals from Elring.....only the ones made in Germany (from what I understand there are different versions of this seal, made in other countries.)

SeanR

Guy

I used a Beck seal but as Roger mentioned, it's a rebranded part. It's brown in color and fully ribbed. I have installed two with no leaks. The black seal that I previously purchased was not fully ribbed and leaked badly.

I pressed this seal fully in until it seated. I used an improvised tool but in retrospect would have spent the 100 dollars on the proper seal press.

worf928

I have a pile of the Elring wheel bearing seals. They're the only ones that have a double-lip seal like the originals. 'bin using them for a few years now.

I guess it's time to order a pile of their front and rear seals.

Wisconsin Joe

I'm not familiar with the auto setup.

Just out of curiosity, why is it a disaster?

SeanR

Dropping the rear suspension so you can lower the transmission and move it back far enough to get to the seal and install it.

ROG100

Greg - you would choose Elring 8>) - that is not currently available AFAIK.
I ordered a Porsche seal and it is identical to the Corteco seal - contrary to what has been said looks like Corteco is the current supplier to Porsche. Does not resemble the VR or Kaco

So currently the only available seals - from my multiple sources - are Corteco (Porsche) & VR.

Wisconsin Joe

Got it. Thanks.

GregBBRD

Like I said above, I've not tried Corteco. I've always been hesitant to use their seals, perhaps because they are so cheap (in terms of cost.)

If you are not having problems with leaks, keep using what works for you!

German Elring seals are more expensive, which is probably why most wholesale sellers do no carry them....those sellers are very cost and margin sensitive businesses, plus there are competing with each other. In that business, a couple of dollars on a seal price means less sales!

For me, changing even one seal that leaks makes the cost of the seal the least important factor. After all, I'm already throwing the Victor Reinz seal that comes in the gasket sets away. The time required to change a leaking seal makes the cost of the seal completely moot...even when the engine is on my test stand and can be changed relatively quickly. Once an engine is installed, a $250 seal made from unobtanium would be a bargain, compared to the time it takes to change it on a manual. On an automatic transmission car....a leaky seal costs me more than the seal's weight in gold.

I've had seal leakage problems with Porsche flywheel seals before....on 911 engines....I could go for years and then suddenly, every engine would leak (much like I was experiencing with 928 engines a couple of months ago. The solution is always the same for me. Pay more. Buy German Elring seals. Be done.

I did start using the Kaco seals that had the Porsche part number and "Porsche" written on them.....mostly for my own convenience....simple to get from the wholesale people. More economical.

Back to Elring, for me. They cost more. They take more effort to order. They don't get ordered in the morning and arrive by noon.

However, they don't leak......right now.

Ad0911

Where do these seals leak? Around the crankshaft or between crankcase and seal?

GregBBRD

Between the crankshaft and the seal.

If any brands leak around the OD of the seal, that's an installation problem.

ROG100

Thanks Greg - already talking with Elring in Germany as they have no sales outlet for gaskets here in the States.
I will probably have an answer on Monday.

Adamant1971

I was going to install the RMS in Daniels 89 block this weekend. I will hold off till you hear back.

ROG100

I have the first batch of GB approved rear main crank seals made by Elring on the way.
Price will be $19 each.

Mrmerlin

Roger your the best!
Thanks for tracking this down