Needin some help here. My Cleveland powered 56 just turned 1000 miles and has developed an oil leak from the bell housing. Unfortunately, it's not the oil pan. I have been told to drop the pan and the rear main cap and that the seal can be changed fairly easily. I need to know if anyone here as actually done this. I know there are some Cleveland guys on here so I hope someone can help. I could try the Cleveland forum but I know more people here. HELP!

 

Well if it is a two piece seal it should be not too bad to change.
Drop your pan and remove back crank cap, these bolts will or should be tight and hard to loosen.
You should see half of a seal in the cap the other half is in the block.
You will need to remove the piece that is in the block. If you push on one side that you can see it should slide out the other side.
U wil then need to install the new half in the block.
The piece in the bearing cap is more easy to install, insure both pieces are fully installed as in flush or very close to it.
Apply a dab of silicone to each end and reinstall bearing cap touqe to spec install oil pan and all Is done
Good luck
Tom

 

Seems odd a "New" engine would already have a rear main leak. Are you sure it's engine oil? I just changed my 351C's rear main and I end up pulling the engine and darn near removing the crank. It was probably the original seal. It was a rope seal and would not budge out of the block. A new rebuild should have a neoprene seal and should come out without all the hassle.
Make sure you install the seal correctly. It will install backwards and will not hold engine oil in the block. Mine (FelPro) came with instructions. Also look in the rear main cap and ensure the pin is not still in the cap. It was used to keep the rope seals in place and will cause your new neoprene seal to leak.
Good Luck & Keep us posted on your solution(s).

 

Here's a post that may help. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/2...ment-351c.html