Building tip
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,193
Likes: 386
From: Near Los Angeles
Building tip
Hey guys--
I learned something useful today, and wanted to pass it along to hopefully help anyone doing a rebuild.
I recently finished a 300 rebuild. But when finished I found the front timing cover crank seal leaking, even before firing it up. But I thought maybe it was oil from lubing it before sliding it over the crank.
Nope, it leaks 1 qt every two weeks. I bought the gasket kit through PAW, and when it was being assembled, the mechanic told me he had no way to center the seal on the crank, no dowels, etc. Well, when I went to buy a new Fel Pro seal kit, I found two available. One had a ring which the other didn't. I couldn't understand why. Then it dawned on me: That ring is used to slide over the crank and center the seal.
Of course I wanted to save $ and get the kit without the ring, but that would most likely have led to the same problem. I'll bet Fel Pro sells a lot of kits because of people buying the one without the ring, and then having to buy another to replace it.
Bottom line: Buy the more expensive kit, and look for the ring sleeve. Good luck.
I learned something useful today, and wanted to pass it along to hopefully help anyone doing a rebuild.
I recently finished a 300 rebuild. But when finished I found the front timing cover crank seal leaking, even before firing it up. But I thought maybe it was oil from lubing it before sliding it over the crank.
Nope, it leaks 1 qt every two weeks. I bought the gasket kit through PAW, and when it was being assembled, the mechanic told me he had no way to center the seal on the crank, no dowels, etc. Well, when I went to buy a new Fel Pro seal kit, I found two available. One had a ring which the other didn't. I couldn't understand why. Then it dawned on me: That ring is used to slide over the crank and center the seal.
Of course I wanted to save $ and get the kit without the ring, but that would most likely have led to the same problem. I'll bet Fel Pro sells a lot of kits because of people buying the one without the ring, and then having to buy another to replace it.
Bottom line: Buy the more expensive kit, and look for the ring sleeve. Good luck.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 563
Likes: 0
From: DeKalb, Ill.
I appreciate the efforts you've gone through to keep us all informed.
I hate seeing that you're having these problems with your brand new motor,
but I am keeping all of these things in mind. I'll be going through my own
rebuild someday, and hopefully your tips pay off for me.
Keep fighting the good fight,
Murph.
I hate seeing that you're having these problems with your brand new motor,
but I am keeping all of these things in mind. I'll be going through my own
rebuild someday, and hopefully your tips pay off for me.
Keep fighting the good fight,
Murph.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 3
From: Halifx Pa
I am in the mist of a rebuild now, I am not sure what you mean by a ring? DO you have picture you could share?
My 300 is out of a 77 F150, so I don't know if my application would apply. I recently replaced that seal, but yet to install the front cover on the motor as I am working on the head.
My 300 is out of a 77 F150, so I don't know if my application would apply. I recently replaced that seal, but yet to install the front cover on the motor as I am working on the head.
Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,193
Likes: 386
From: Near Los Angeles
With a 77 it certainly applies. Don't put on the front cover until the engine is in, or put it on for protection, but no bolts in it until the v. dampner is ready to be installed. Once the engine has been installed, put the front cover bolts in a few turns, with the proper gasket and goop on of course, then grease the dampner and slide it on, tap it into place, shifting the cover into place as the seal aligns it on the dampner. Then tighten the bolts to spec. The one bolt at about 9 o'clock, is difficult to reach because you're reaching behind the dampner and under the timing index, so don't torque on the dampner before the bolts are tight to spec.
The 'ring' I was speaking about is actually for slipping over the v. dampner to create a new sealable surface. I thought it was for alignment purposes, but wrote before installing. I would just go ahead and put it on. It is easy. Mine was a 78, and in good shape, but I put it on for added assurance. I sanded the v. dampner surface with 600 wet and dry, then used the supplied glue and slipped it over. It is a little added insurance.
The important thing is to not bolt down the front cover before installing the dampner and using it to center the seal. Good luck. I just today did mine like that and it worked great. You don't know how good it feels to look under the truck and see it is not leaking!
The 'ring' I was speaking about is actually for slipping over the v. dampner to create a new sealable surface. I thought it was for alignment purposes, but wrote before installing. I would just go ahead and put it on. It is easy. Mine was a 78, and in good shape, but I put it on for added assurance. I sanded the v. dampner surface with 600 wet and dry, then used the supplied glue and slipped it over. It is a little added insurance.
The important thing is to not bolt down the front cover before installing the dampner and using it to center the seal. Good luck. I just today did mine like that and it worked great. You don't know how good it feels to look under the truck and see it is not leaking!
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