Rear Main Install ?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
Rear Main Install ?
I'm wondering why in all the threads I've read on installing the rear main seal(Fel-Pro #BS-11829-1) in a 350 cid., there is no mention of installing the seal with a 3/8" offset from the flats of the bearing housing/block as is mentioned in the installation instructions?
Should I install it as the instructcions suggest or flush with the flats?
Just curious....
Should I install it as the instructcions suggest or flush with the flats?
Just curious....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,269
Likes: 480
From: Salmon Arm, BC
I think offsetting the mail seal with the block is a personal preference thing only. I have installed several seals on different engines, and I installed them even with the block parting lines, and no leaks so far. I also think that ensuring you place a very small dab of sealant on the seal ends really helps seal off oil leaks....
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
I installed it as the instructions suggested with a small offset.
I also used the Fel-Pro 1 pc. dry gasket... Great Part!!!
I ran it for 1/2 hr. and no more leaks!
Sure was different than when I worked on cars for a living 35 years ago. The last time I did a rear main it was with a piece of braided material that had to be installed with a braided mesh tool with a TEE Handle.
Things sure have changed!!! FOR THE BETTER!!!
I also used the Fel-Pro 1 pc. dry gasket... Great Part!!!
I ran it for 1/2 hr. and no more leaks!
Sure was different than when I worked on cars for a living 35 years ago. The last time I did a rear main it was with a piece of braided material that had to be installed with a braided mesh tool with a TEE Handle.
Things sure have changed!!! FOR THE BETTER!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 35
From: LaUgH, mOrE!
Last edited by G-Sting; Mar 12, 2011 at 09:55 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Never leave a new installed seal dry!
U need to oil/lube the seal also. Most shade tree mechanics install their seals left dry and have drip again within a short time. A dry seal will wear out right on start-up.
Another miss is the rear main cap needs a specialty sealer to mate to the block. Surprising how many rear main cap go back on w/o sealer to block surface - that's another leak above the pan but looks like the rear seal is still leaking.
U have to sort things out for yourself here on the faceless internet.
But really pays to read the instructions first and bounce it off the internet advice.
I have tried every time i respond to a rear seal post to explain offsetting the seal. It is easy to physically do but difficult to type out the explanation. And how do u explain using enough sealer on the matting ends but not leaving any sealer on the seals contact surface with the crank?
Thx for sharing,
cardo0
Another miss is the rear main cap needs a specialty sealer to mate to the block. Surprising how many rear main cap go back on w/o sealer to block surface - that's another leak above the pan but looks like the rear seal is still leaking.
U have to sort things out for yourself here on the faceless internet.
But really pays to read the instructions first and bounce it off the internet advice.I have tried every time i respond to a rear seal post to explain offsetting the seal. It is easy to physically do but difficult to type out the explanation. And how do u explain using enough sealer on the matting ends but not leaving any sealer on the seals contact surface with the crank?
Thx for sharing,
cardo0
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Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
G-Sting,
thanks for the write up and photos. I have a leak on one of mine and when I get to the point of replacing the gasket I plan on printing out your instructions and photos as a guide.
kdf
thanks for the write up and photos. I have a leak on one of mine and when I get to the point of replacing the gasket I plan on printing out your instructions and photos as a guide.
kdf
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 35
From: LaUgH, mOrE!
sly vette: Great to hear all went together well and no leaks!! Thanks for starting this thread. Good tips from all.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,746
Likes: 713
From: Lafayette Louisiana
U need to oil/lube the seal also. Most shade tree mechanics install their seals left dry and have drip again within a short time. A dry seal will wear out right on start-up.
Another miss is the rear main cap needs a specialty sealer to mate to the block. Surprising how many rear main cap go back on w/o sealer to block surface - that's another leak above the pan but looks like the rear seal is still leaking.
U have to sort things out for yourself here on the faceless internet. But really pays to read the instructions first and bounce it off the internet advice.
I have tried every time i respond to a rear seal post to explain offsetting the seal. It is easy to physically do but difficult to type out the explanation. And how do u explain using enough sealer on the matting ends but not leaving any sealer on the seals contact surface with the crank?
Thx for sharing,
cardo0
Another miss is the rear main cap needs a specialty sealer to mate to the block. Surprising how many rear main cap go back on w/o sealer to block surface - that's another leak above the pan but looks like the rear seal is still leaking.
U have to sort things out for yourself here on the faceless internet.
But really pays to read the instructions first and bounce it off the internet advice.I have tried every time i respond to a rear seal post to explain offsetting the seal. It is easy to physically do but difficult to type out the explanation. And how do u explain using enough sealer on the matting ends but not leaving any sealer on the seals contact surface with the crank?
Thx for sharing,
cardo0
Question, what name sealer do you use on the cap as mentioned above?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Many sealers will work.
cardo0
