Just wondering, WHAT are they actually sealing? Had to do my opti last week, and was looking at those o-rings when I was putting the new o-rings on the water pump shaft, and on the drive stub coming out of the front of the timing chain cover. There are already seals on both the pump shaft, and on the drive stub, so what gives? Are the o-rings just to keep dirt and grit out of the splined coupler?

I'm a little OCD like that, I want to know not only that something works, I have to know WHY it works. Thanks!

 

answered your own question.

 

Thanks man, it just seems overkill. Not much going on in that area. It's pretty well-protected back there. Then again, I guess for your aveage "beater" that never sees an engine wash, crud could get back in there.

 

I think they also help to isolate the opti drive from the cam.

 

The water pump o-rings?

There should be some grease applied to the coupler and splines and the o-rings keep the grit out, so they don't wear out and strip.

 

Beer + posting = bad.

 

I knew there had to be some distraction.

 

Yeah, but Saturday night + beer = good