Does anyone know where I can get the rope/wick seals to fit a 1948 ford 226 flathead 6 cyl. Or do you know the size I would need? 5/16?, round or square. I know the reason it is hard to find is because they had to take the asbestos out of the packing, but there has to be some old stuff out there somewhere. The old packing is approx. 3/8 square when taken out. The packing is used on both ends of the crank.. Any help would be appreciated.

 

We used some not to long ago. I think it came from NAPA but will ask my buddy where he got it. I thimk it is all about the same.

 

I have checked all the local auto parts stores, none have the rope seals, all have the gasket sets available w/o the rope seals.. I was told if I could find an old Victor gasket set the seals would be included. Napa changed to Fel Pro, so they no longer carry Victor brand. Also the seals for the 239 flathead V8 are different size from the 226 six.

 

I found a complete gasket set on Ebay with the seals, but I have a gasket set and do not want to pay $125. just to get the seals. I may have to, but I am hoping someone has a cheaper route to take.

 

Firetruck
Check on these two sites someone will help you.
Early Ford V-8 Club
fordbarn.com
both sites have a lot of flathead info. and someone will chime in with the answer to your problem.
Good luck
Larry

 

They are listed here:

reds-headers.net

Craig

 

Didn't they come in the gasket set? Best Gasket (brand), Victor Reinz, and FelPro should sell sets that include both teflon and fiber rope seals.

 

Check with Kanter, Kanter Auto Products - Classic Antique Auto Restoration Parts. They sell complete kits but maybe the also sell the rope separately.

I'm surprised NAPA wouldn't have it. If they don't did you ask them if they knew where to get it? I'm lucky, I live near a big city, Milwaukee, and we have a lot of businesses that sell specific parts like bearings, suspension parts and the like. If I can't find it at NAPA there's likely a place in town that they can refer me to that would have it. These type of places usually sell to the industrial market and although they don't usually sell to the general public I've found a lot do accept charge cards. I've also been lucky if it's a same part that they can cut off a roll, some of them will just toss it across the counter and tell you to forget about it. It costs them more in paper work than the piece is worth.

 

Have a look here:

McMaster-Carr

Kinda pricey because you have to buy a minimum of 5 ft, but if all else fails, it might be cheaper than an entire gasket set.