The 'E' Type Forum

Hello all, short story here is that I have 1974 OTS, I started a restoration on it in 1998, and completed a complete top to bottom Engine/Gearbox and Front Suspension rebuild in 2000. Since then the car has been sitting garaged in California apparently waiting for me to retire and continue on.
Looking for some opinion on the work done so far in terms of the Seals, Gaskets, suspension bushings etc still being serviceable, or should I redo all of it for safeties sake before resembling the entire car?
(Everything was pre lubricated with oils greases etc and the correct Hylomars applied to gasket surfaces).

appreciate any feedback, thank you

Hi Tony, I don’t know what conditions exist in your garage but after 12-14 years I feel the rubbers and bushing require a good going over and replacing with fresh both for the longevity and safety of your restoration. I wish you good luck in anticipation of updates and completion.

I think your susp parts would be good, not stressed and stored inside in good comditions. My susp is tight and good after a restoration 20 years ago and regular low mileage driving. If they feel good with a good check out go with it.

Your engine gaskets are likely good but i would be concerned about the pan and crankshaft seals and other rubber type seals on the eng. Maybe waterpump too. Without running lubrication they will dry out and shrink.

You’ve been dropping some oil in the cylinders and rotating occasionally?

thanks for the feedback, yes I have oiled/rotated the engine semi regularly.
My concern was the rubber type seals all, especially the valve stem seals.
When you mention Crank seal do you mean front or rear? I guess either one is a bear to replace all over again! Engine out once more

If the crank seal is of the leather type and was properly soaked in oil initially one can assume it should be good.

It's a 74 V12 right?
I don't know V12s but it's a modern eng and I would assume it has modern "rubber" type seals.
When they sit for a long period without use they can harden and not seal. Once there they usually do not get much better.
My 62 has a rear rope seal which can also be a problem when allowed to sit but can reconstitute itself with use is you are lucky.
Don't know about leather but would assume your V12 doesn't have leather.

If it's in the car I'd drive it before I pulled it and replaced any seals. Why not?
No more work to do that and then pull it if you have problem leaks.
And maybe you won't have a problem. It's only a leak and won't be causing any damage and you'll know what to address.
Your valve stem seals can be done in the car if you determine those are not sealing.
Also, if you turned it over with the starter and got oil pressure then your valve stem seals were lubricated and likely won't be a problem.

DWW wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 13, 2022 1:22 pm

If the crank seal is of the leather type and was properly soaked in oil initially one can assume it should be good.

More than likely a rope seal if original and unmolested other wise a lip seal if converted. My S1 had cork where sump seals at rear main journal that leaked after some years, suitably replaced with neoprene upgrade and far superior. Cork is for wine