Help, motor assembly question

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Jun 19, 2001 | 07:12 PM

skip4274

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2000

Posts: 222

Likes: 1

Help, motor assembly question

Guys. I've had FE motors for more years than I care to tell, but I've never developed a method for installing the rear main seals consistantly. Some leak, some don't. Any suggestions to help me out?
Skip4274
4everFord

Jun 20, 2001 | 08:15 PM

dinosaurfan

Cargo Master

Joined: Aug 2000

Posts: 2,931

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From: SW Michigan

Help, motor assembly question

Skip, my FE seals have never been a problem, what kind are you using ? DF

Jun 20, 2001 | 10:06 PM

DrFord

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Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 571

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Help, motor assembly question

I agree, I have not had any problems with the seals leaking, although I must admit that it is not a very good design. It gets old having to disassemble the engine just to change a seal. I also have an 88' 300 in-line six once I remove the flywheel I can remove the old seal and replace it in about three minutes.

Jun 21, 2001 | 02:06 PM

bigeric

Senior User

Joined: Apr 2001

Posts: 128

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Help, motor assembly question

Try using the Felpro rear main seal set if you haven't already, Instead of that stupid rope seal, they use rubber, which is then snugged up and held in place with heavy metal wire of some sort. Make sure you are installing the crank seal (We called 'em dynamic seals in the Navy) with the lip and pocket facing the internals of the engine--the pressure against the seal will create a tighter seal this way. Also put a little bit of good gasket sealer between the block and the main bearing cap.

I've done the above with my 390 and have no problems with leaks. Main thing to do is get that Felpro kit; other stuff is pretty basic. Getting away from the rope seals also gets you away from not getting them in far enough or having a little poke out, which then ruins the oil pan seal.

Jun 22, 2001 | 05:35 PM

skip4274

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Help, motor assembly question

Thanks guys. I just got the new seal kit with the rubber seals and I see the difference. I had a gasket set with the old type seals and I hate those things. Any tricks to putting the "nails" in?
Thanks,
Skip

Jun 22, 2001 | 08:08 PM

DrFord

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Joined: Jun 2001

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Help, motor assembly question

The only "trick" that I can suggest is to be sure and soak them in oil for about 5 minutes before you put them in

Jun 23, 2001 | 11:10 PM

haakeye50

Freshman User

Joined: May 2001

Posts: 38

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From: Sherwood Park Canada

Help, motor assembly question

On your seal installation I always made sure I had a 1/4 inch on the bottom of one side and a 1/4 inch above on the other side
( this is of the seal if you are using two halves.)This way you should not get leaks where the bearing cap is split between the block and cap.

HAAKEYE snow fever for sledding but does like his trucks. Ran a 13.049 at 103 mph in my 1970 F100 ( Ground Pownder) 428scj 2/4 4speed. Yahoo messanger (haakeye50)

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Jun 24, 2001 | 08:08 PM

69cyclone

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Joined: May 2001

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Help, motor assembly question

I hope I have followed this correctly, and I hope that I am not too late. You got me a bit concerned when you asked about putting the nails in. The old type of seals were like a peice of rope and they needed the "nail" or pin to stop the rope from turning. The newer types of seals that I have seem are rubber and unless I am totally mistaken you DO NOT use the "nail" or you will end up with yet another leak. The pin should just pull out with a set of pliers. The is what was required when working on an old 200 6 in a Mustang. If I am mistaken, I am certain some one will be kind enough to correct me.

Bob