Solenoid seal put in backward

JasonNC
JasonNC Expert Adviser
edited October 2012 in HUDSON
I replaced the overdrive solenoid seal without reading the replacement instructions first. Naturally, I put it in with the rubber part facing the solenoid instead of the transmission. I thought I would ask if it really makes that much difference because I really don't think I can get it out without damaging it beyond repair.

Comments

  • Park_W
    Park_W Senior Contributor
    Jason, if you don't get an answer here, call Al Sahhrahn in AZ and ask. He does a fair bit of rehab on these solenoids.
  • MikeWA
    MikeWA Senior Contributor
    Well, nobody seems to be rushing to give you an answer. I don't have experience with the solenoid seal specifically, but do have with seals in general. The "lip" is supposed to be toward the source of the oil, and any pressure built up tends to push the lip more firmly on the shaft, preventing the oil from leaking past it. If the seal is put on backwards, any pressure from the oil side will just slide the oil under the rubber seal.

    I don't know whether the transmission/overdrive unit generates any positive pressure. If not, you may get away with having it on backwards. But you also may end up with a solenoid full of oil. Which is probably not the end of the world- oil will not cause anything to short out, but will just be a clean-up issue. I would probably let it be, and see if you have a problem with functioning of the solenoid. If you do, get a new seal, disassemble the solenoid and clean it up, and reinstall the right way. No harm, no foul.

    And you're right- I've never heard of anyone removing a seal and reinstalling it, without ruining it.
  • SuperDave
    SuperDave Senior Contributor
    Awh heck I wouldn't worry much about it. There really isn't any pressure to cause a leak. Just atmospheric pressure. If it does leak in the future.. get another seal and do it again. It's not like a rear main seal. Have another cool one and take a drive. Hope your OD works.. LOL.
  • JasonNC
    JasonNC Expert Adviser
    Well, just so you guys don't worry too much, I put this seal in my backup solenoid that is not on the car. I had purchased two of these seals (one from Jason Albright and the other I won on Ebay) so I decided to use them both. I put the seal on the solenoid that's on the car on correctly, it's the spare that I screwed up.....
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