For those of you who have replaced the throttle shaft seals

I have an '81 XJ550 Maxim and am in the process of replacing the throttle shaft seals. I am wondering which direction the V-seals are supposed to be installed.

When I took them apart they were all facing outwards on each individual carburetor ( >-------------< ). But that just seems counter-intuitive to me, and I have replaced many a seal on either my vehicles or on helicopters and that just seems backwards to me based on my experience.

If anyone knows exactly how they are supposed to be installed, that information would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

"I have replaced many a seal on either my vehicles or on helicopters"

The open part of the v always goes on the high pressure side, i.e. oil seal on an engine block the open side of the seal goes inward. that way the more pressure there is the tighter the seal will be. Well on the carburetor the high pressure is on the outside because of the vacuum on the inside thus the more vacuum on the inside the more it presses on the out side due to the pressure differential.. Hope this helps

 

Yes it does help very much. All of the seals I have changed were keeping oil/fluid in. So the operating pressures were helping to maintain or reinforce the seal. Same thing here, just in the opposite direction.

 

OK, I'm trying to picture this in my little mind. The open end of the "V" is pointing away from the body of the carb? Help me to see this, I'll be re-assembling my carbs again tomorrow & I don't want to get this wrong. I've got a mystery air leak that I'm having trouble locating & this might be my problem.

Thanks
Ken

 

Just a note... Chacal carries replacement seals which are "X" ring type.. You can't mess those up...