Confused about Viton synthetic rubber vs. Subaru OEM rubber

[ChesterKV]

Hey Dudes,

I'm confused about the various manufacturers that offer seals such as cam, crank, and valve stem, seals in viton synthetic rubber compound. I've always gone with Subaru OEM but is this material really better as many sites claim? The Achilles' Heel of the Subaru engine has always been the rubber seals but if this material makes for better seals.... then ?

If Viton is better, is there a known manufacturer that makes the "best of the best"?

Thanks in advance,

Chester

[Legacy777]

I'm not so sure what type of rubber Subaru uses.

Viton is simply a type of rubber. There are different types of viton....so without knowing exactly what it is....it'd be hard to say whether it's better.

I will however refer you to this thread for some thoughts by myself and others on OEM vs aftermarket.
http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?t=36354

[ChesterKV]

I'm not so sure what type of rubber Subaru uses.

Viton is simply a type of rubber. There are different types of viton....so without knowing exactly what it is....it'd be hard to say whether it's better.

I will however refer you to this thread for some thoughts by myself and others on OEM vs aftermarket.
http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?t=36354

Thanks for the link to the thread. I'm well aware of the "dangers" of using non-OEM. If I have ANY doubt I always go OEM. I'm just seeing if the "latest" viton seals made by various manufacturers is an improvement over OEM. A major player in the Vanagon/Subaru conversion scene (Smallcar) has started using viton-based camshaft and crankshaft seals while remaining OEM on everything else. That's part of my temptation to try it if I can be 100-percent sure it's a better product.


- Chester

[93forestpearl]

I've yet to have an issue with the OEM cam seals. I had a front main seal with a very slight leak after 180k miles, so I really don't see an issue with it. I haven't had a rear leak yet, but I think others have. On the back of the motor the main issue is the plastic oil baffle plate, which always leak. $20 fixes that with an aluminum one.