hey all, got a 94 LT1 and am waiting for my new opti to get here. Im having trouble finding the seals for the water pump drive couple and optispark that are on the timing cover. anyone know a good site where to find them?? also which seals do you install dry and which one u install lubed? and any help on how to make sure the seals are seated correctly would be great. thanks guys


Rob

 

you wiil probaby have to buy a gasket set for the front cover.

 

ya i just found the gasket set on rockauto.com that includes the two seals for the water pump and distriubutor connections and the two o-rings. Ive been reading about putting oil on the seals and no putting oil on the seals. anyone have any input on which seals are suppose to lubricated??

 

doesnt say in the book on the front cover so i would say either way. should be easier to get that water pump seal with a little somethin to help it slide on there. i would advise u to get a seal installer for it. its a cone shaped cap looking thing that fits over the end of the shaft so it doesnt grab the seal and tear it. yes the only way u can get that one seal is to buy the timing cover gasket set. i went threw three before i picked up the tool. got a set that does all the seals on the timing cover on the ebay for a decent deal used.

 

Ive read and seen that if u take a fat sharpie/dry erase marker and cut it in half it works really well as a seal install tool (just need to lube the outside of it ith oil for it will slide off). Ive read from other sites that some say you should use oil on the waterpump seal and some say not to use any and that the friction will cause it to expand and warp to make the seal. Just need some info on what people think or have done in the past. thankks guys

 

Hi, I just changed all of those seals. I had to buy a timing cover gasket set from Felpro but it included all the needed seals and new orings for the water pump coupler. It is ok to use alittle oil for assembly, just dont go nuts. There is also a seal conditioning gel that is popular with the heavy truck community that works for seal installs as well- also use just a thin film. I had really good luck using a socket that was the same dia. as the seal to carefully tap it into place. They are small and somewhat fragile so be careful. I had the luxury of using a lift to do this from the bottom which seemed much easier and there is more room from the bottom. Good luck