Having dismantled an engine, I'm a little concerned about the surfaces which contact the seals. Both front and rear are corroded:





Is this par for the course, or perhaps more likely, an upshot of being on the northwest coast of Scotland?

More practically, has anyone here any experience that would give any indication of how likely it is that I can successfully reuse these?

Current plan is to clean them up with a nylon rotary brush.

-- Tim.

Tim
Photographs can be deceptive, but myself, I would use a flat needle file to get the rust level. Where the seal runs doesn't look to bad. The main issue is tearing the lip of the seal on the rust when fitting.

I can't comment on the front seal, but the rear one, don't push it in to far (flush if I recall), or it will distort and piss out oil. Don't ask me how I know

I think it'll clean up nice with some very fine abrasive sheets. Like this:


But to save time, I'd go lightly with some very fine sanding paper first, on the front part where the rust is. Maybe the nylon thing you talk about is good for that. Never tried those.

Ta. I've had various suggestions here and elsewhere, and I think my first attempt at cleaning will be with very fine wire wool.