Citroen Relay crankshaft oil seal

[Benita]

My Citroen Relay with a Ford 2.2 L engine has an oil leak from the crankshaft oil seal.
It is in my local garage for repair.
I was told that after replacing the oil seal the engine can't be started for 24 hours until "the seal beds in"
My mechanic could not explain the reason why.
Can anyone enlighten me?
Thank you
Benita

[ekjdm14]

Nothing is likely to "bed in" on an idle engine IMO, not sure of the build on that engine but it's possible there is some RTV sealant involved that needs to cure. Unsure why they wouldn't just say that though, unless there isn't *meant* to be RTV involved but they used it to seal something instead of charge for a new gasket. Even then I would have expected the full story not just "can't explain why"...

[RichardW]

Modern PTFE seals need to sit stationary after they are fitted. No idea why!

This says: Do not start the engine sooner than four hours after installation – this permits the new sealing lip to adapt perfectly to the shaft.

[ekjdm14]

Ah, that would at least partially explain it. at least it absolves the garage of any potential bodgery

[Benita]

Thank you both for your replies.
I can feel quite smug when I explain this to my mechanic.
Benita

[ekjdm14]

Quite an interesting read if you're curious about PTFE seals and how they differ from "rubber" items. Hope they also fitted it dry