New front seal leaking

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Apr 30, 2018 | 12:59 PM

Surfer69

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Drifting

Joined: Apr 2002

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From: Manhattan Beach Ca

New front seal leaking

I just rebuilt my engine and made sure I did everything prep wise correct. I bought the standard blue Fel Pro timing cover HB/crank seal and made sure it was lubed a bit before start up.

Now the thing is leaking and I have to fix it. I am using a full synthetic oil which maybe is too thin for this seal.

Guess I want to know if there is a super duper heavy duty seal made by anyone for SB chevy or that can handle thin synthetic? Thx

Apr 30, 2018 | 01:32 PM

derekderek

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From: SW Florida.

Possibly you have a seal cut in the balancer lip. If so, dont put the seal in all the way.

Apr 30, 2018 | 01:40 PM

drwet

Melting Slicks

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From: Thunder Bay

Also I have had better success when I pack the space between the lips of the seal with grease.

Apr 30, 2018 | 01:43 PM

427Hotrod

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Use one of the sleeves on the balancer to cover any grooves and make it just a little tighter. All parts stores have them.

JIM

Apr 30, 2018 | 05:00 PM

Surfer69

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Apr 2002

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From: Manhattan Beach Ca

Quote:

Originally Posted by 427Hotrod

Use one of the sleeves on the balancer to cover any grooves and make it just a little tighter. All parts stores have them.

JIM

Sorry Jim I didn't follow. All parts stores have what exactly?

Apr 30, 2018 | 05:05 PM

ezobens

Drifting

Joined: Aug 2005

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From: Wauconda IL

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surfer69

Sorry Jim I didn't follow. All parts stores have what exactly?

Some places call it a 'Speedy-Sleeve'.
It's a thin metal sleeve that you press on the end of the balancer hub to cover up any grooves that may have worn in the hub from previous seals (assuming this is a used balancer).
Helps with front seal leakage issues if your hub is less than pristine.

Apr 30, 2018 | 05:42 PM

Surfer69

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Drifting

Joined: Apr 2002

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From: Manhattan Beach Ca

Got it. Perfect idea. Thanks guys.

Apr 30, 2018 | 09:59 PM

'75

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From: McHenry Illinois

Quote:

Originally Posted by drwet

Also I have had better success when I pack the space between the lips of the seal with grease.

If you install the seal with a hammer, sometimes the shock will knock out the spring on the back side. Pack it with grease to stop it from happening. If the spring has fallen out, you should be able to work it back onto the seal lip with a couple seal picks.