I have a 1956 235 that I just got. Did the hand turn of motor, started it up for a few seconds no problems,etc. Needed to drill the holes on the front mount so I put engine on a stand and removed oil pan and timing cover ; need to replace that timing cover seal as a little oil was present under it. Will also tap the bottom holes so I can keep the screws outside of the oil pan.The oil pan had no sludge at all in it very clean. so now I have the motor upside down so I could drill those mounting plate holes and thought it would be easier to work with the oil pan like that. my question is this....should I replace the rear main seal while it is opened up? I did not see any potential oil leakage in that area before I started. Can the seal be changed with the motor upside down? Never did any inside the engine work before so I'm kinda nervous about opening that darn can of worms. If I should change it would it be the rope or rubber seal? dont know what to do.
Ed