Front Crank Seal

[brothapig]

Went to purchase a new front crank oil seal, and the parts guy presented me with a choice of two different seals:

1) Viton seal w/gasket $19.88
2) Rubber seal w/gasket $26.00

I believe the second seal is the OEM seal. Is there any difference? Is one better than the other? I'm not worried about the price difference, but the second one is a week out, and the first one I can get in a day. Thanks for any input.

[Joe 1320]

have you checked to make sure the crank doesn't have a groove worn into the surface? it would be worth your time to check and if there is a groove, you'll need a ready-sleeve in addition to the new seal.

[Rob B (shoebox)]

Hmm...I thought Viton was the better "rubber".

Also, a new GM seal from the dealer is only $8.84 (wholesale), $17.00 (retail).

At the parts store, normally you can buy a Felpro timing set that includes the timing cover gasket and all the round seals in the cover for around $20.

[BrdWAtti2d]

NAPA has the Felpro timing cover set for 11 bucks and change.

Found some info at Dupont about Viton if this helps.