Sealing the gap in front of engine

My VS has a huge gap between the front of the engine and the firewall. I'm not sure if the seal was lost or if there never was one.

Any ideas on what to use? Do VS Speedsters come with a seal between firewall and engine? I suspect something thick and spongy would be ideal. I'm at a loss.

(Message Edited 5/6/2003 4:06:49 PM)

VW's have a piece of engine tin with a rubber seal front and back. You should DEFINITELY make a piece to seal this area - I'm at a loss to understand why a builder would eliminate some form of seal there.

If they tell you it shouldn't make a difference they are WRONG.

I had a wide gap (.5"-1") between the engine tin and the tin that I made to seal up the engine compartment. I used a seal for a VW Bus, the cross-section is I shaped approx. 2.5" x 1.5". Worked Great!

Jerome

George,

The engine tin is intact. The body (firewall) is about 2 inches away. There is no seal on the firewall at all.

Jerome,

Great answer. I'll try some of that. I may need a wider seal, though.

What I don't understand is why it's missing. Vintage did such a great job with the seal around the rear apron. It's thick and flexible.

The gap in front is so bad the right air cleaner is filthy after only about 1500mi total miles. I have to clean the top of the engine constantly.



(Message Edited 5/6/2003 8:50:07 PM)

Eric, definitely a question to ask VS; not only is that a quality issue it is an engine longevity issue if your engine is overheating.

Eric, I noticed a few weeks ago that I don't have any seal at the rear of the engine bay (VS). There is about a two inch gap all across the back, right above the muffler/tailpipe. I'll need to fix that, I could get at it while I'm waiting for my clutch cable. Don't know if it came that way or not as I am not original owner and it has 56km on the clock.
ed

Ed,

I do know that Vintage installs a nice thick foam rubber gasket around the rear of the engine. Mine has a nice seal there. I don't know if there is anything supplied for the front(against the firewall).

Eric, the cars don't come with a seal at the front of the engine. Many of the members have solved this problem in different ways. It all depends on how elegant you want to get. I made a piece to bridge the gap with sheet metal, then sealed it with type 4 gasket the same as on the rear of your engine. If you are careful you won't need to remove the engine. If you need details call me at 530 472 1144. Eddie

Eric
I think I can make a rear seal pretty easily. I should take a look at the front of the engine too.
ed

My daughter suggested using a noodle (foam pool toy) painted black.

Eric, what's wrong with bright color under the deck lid? Be careful on the paint choice, some may melt some polys.

Eric, We were just talking about that kind of simple solution on another string. Hell, if you can't get a machine shop involved and buy some new welding equipment it can't be a good idea :-)
ed