Hello, all - I'm part way through reassembly of my 2000 XK8 4.0L n/a engine, have reinstalled the timing cover. Is it absolutely necessary to replace the small sealing ring inside the bore of the crankshaft damper pulley? (Not the main seal, which I've done - the small ring that is seated inside a groove in the damper body). The old one appears to be undamaged.
Thanks for any suggestions.

 

The thin 'O'ring is usually very 'crispy' and breaks into small pieces when removed from the groove.

If you can remove and reinstall, then it might be pliable enough for reuse?

 

Crispy describes it elegantly. I had a replacement sealing ring in the gasket kit I received, didn't realize it until I took the old one out and had a good look at it. It would be helpful if these gasket and sealer sets had labels, but without guesswork, where's the fun?