I have a 56 with a V8 and I need to replace the rear main seal. My local parts house offers two differant ones. A traditional rope seal and a molded rubber seal. The ? is which is better, easier to install, etc. Thanx Arnie

 

I think I would try the new rubber style. I have never installed one. But I have installed the rope type in frame and I would not want to do it again. You will also need a special tool to install the rope type.

 

The rubber rear main seal is a relatively new part. It's the way to go. The rope seals dry out if they're allowed to sit for too long. Then when you start the engine with the dry rope seal, it scorches before it ever gets re-wetted with oil. Leaking again. The neoprene seal does not have that sort of problem. Use that one.

 

I'm not sure but I think that the 292 Y block uses the neoprene seal, but that the 312 Y block still needs to have the rope style seal. Pretty sure I read that here. Do you know what V8 you have? Gonna have to do mine before long, let me know how it goes. Larry

 

Go to www.ford-y-block.com. They have molded rubber rear main seals for the 292 and 312. They have a lot of other neat stuff for Y-Blocks too.