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MG TD TF 1500 - Rear main cork gasket

Does anyone have a simple method of installing the cork gasket that goes on the rear main seal? It’s normally wider than the groove in the rear main housing and I have a hell of a time time getting it properly fitted…surely there’s an easier way than just trying to cram it into place? Truth be told I’ve had success with the cramming method but I’m about to do another one and would like to try something easier.

Thanks in advance,
Gene Gillam
Saucier, MS
Gene Gillam

Hi Gene, It has been a while, but I recall that the end "ears" are too long and have to be trimmed so it seats into the recess without sticking up. Pre-curving it helps too. George
George Butz III

I make my own out of 2 pieces of jointing, bonded and pre-curved to fit the slot.This started after I got one that had the rebates cut on opposite sides,it took me a few moments to work out what was wrong.
Ray TF 2884
Ray Lee

The original cork only material was junk. I use a neoprene impregnated
cork gasket to seal the rear main area together with Toyota Gasket Sump Sealant with no leaks resulting. Never modified the rear main seal in any other way.

Cheers
Rob Grantham
TF3719("Aramis"),TF9177("Athos").
Rob Grantham

I don't recall any issues the last time I did this, but it's been a while so perhaps the latest seals are a big large? Depending on the composition, sometimes you can soften them up with water. Or just narrow it a bit by lightly placing it against a belt sander. I like to use sealer to hold them in place. Neoprene sound like a very good material for this seal. I used one in a 1098 a while back and it seems to work well.
Steve Simmons

Steve,

That's the problem with installing the new (?) ones...they're about a 1/16" too wide for the groove in the rear main. If you do manage to get them in there is absolutely no need for any type of sealer to hold them in place!

Gene
Gene Gillam

Gene,
It's been awhile but I remember having the same issue. I believe I resolved it by ordering the gasket from a different source.
If memory serves me right I got the wide one from Moss and the other from Abingdon Spares.
Mort
Mort Resnicoff

Mort,

Absolutely correct...I found another gasket in my spares kit and it fit the groove perfectly.

Gene
Gene Gillam

I also made my own. 10.5mm wide and 7mm thick. Neoprene shore 70°.
Regards
Declan
Declan Burns

This thread was discussed between 26/05/2020 and 28/05/2020

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