1stump

Hello all,

OK, this might be a stupid question but I can't find an answer. I just replaced my distributor's inner and outer seals on my 98 Accord. The DIYs I've seen say to put the inner seal in dry. I used a little 30W engine oil to make it easier to go in. Is that oil going to deteriorate the seal? Sorry, It's the **** personality in me!

Thanks for any input,
Stump

DCFIVER

No.

1stump

Great. Thanks a lot for your time DCFIVER.

slowcivic2k

Never install any seal without at least some lubrication, or else the seal may burn and leak soon afterwards.

For seals like that use a SMALL amount of grease on the lip cavity and lightly coat the shaft as well.

1stump

Perfect. Thanks for your input slowcivic2k.

holmesnmanny

Just to elaborate further, he means on the inside lip only. The outside part of the seal is never going to move so you don't need to lubricate it and you want it to be dry anyhow to prevent any oil from ever pushing past it. The inside lip has a spring on the inside that helps push against the inner lip which helps to prevent oil from going past it, the outside doesn't.

You want grease on the inner lip to help the inner lip to break in properly.

If it's installed completely dry, then when the seal first starts to turn it could bind and tear, causing it to leak.

1stump

Thanks holmesnmanny. I did put lubricate on the outside. I'll be checking the cap for any oil in the next day or so. I'm now glad that I asked. This bit of detail will help others. Thanks again.