I'm wondering if my new RMS is too loose on the crankshaft. In preparation to swap this 185k B230FT into my 240, I just replaced the rear main seal with a Volvo brown seal (6842160). This is my first RMS, so I'm figuring it all out from Chilton, Haynes, the FAQ here, and the writeup on Art's page. I removed the carrier, cleaned the carrier and crankshaft, polished the contact surfaces with some Mother's, hosed them down with brake cleaner, and ran a light finger of motor oil on the metal and seal contact surfaces. I inserted the seal in the carrier, then installed the whole thingamajig onto the crank following these FAQ instructions:
[Editor] Volvo grey Viton seal p/n 6842160 is well worth the slight extra cost. When you get the seal, it comes on a round plastic carrier. Cut off the inner protrusion (the lip pointing toward the center of the circle) with a coping saw and an X-Acto knife, then use the carrier as the seal lip seating tool. It will fit perfectly over the 92mm crankshaft. Insert this after the seal is installed to make sure the lips are not curled under, since the Viton seal is much tighter than the silicone seal. Works like a champ. https://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/EngineSealsBeltsVent.htm#LeakingRearSealandReplacementTips
As I installed the seal I felt some resistance on the carrier side (it was firm but not difficult) but very little on the crankshaft side. Once installed, and with the plastic insert removed, I can slide a glossy business card between the seal and crankshaft and run it all the way around - with significant resistance, but it goes.
Is this normal? The old seal I pulled (looks just like the one I installed) was stubborn on both surfaces. I had to pry the carrier & seal off the crankshaft and tap the seal out of the carrier. Can I expect the seal to swell up under operating conditions or does this indicate a problem? Obviously I'm not going to get a look at it after I get it all put back together, so i want to make sure it's not going to be gushing oil.
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