Supposedly the 53-54 1st series 235s used a 2 piece rope seal. The 55-62 2nd series engines used a 2 piece neoprene molded rubber seal.

The replacement rope seals are no longer made with asbestos. The asbestos in the old ropes made for a better seal against the crank surface. Stovebolt engine company has some NOS asbestos seals left.

I don't know if the ropes will work in a 2nd series engine, or if you have to use the neoprene seal in them.

The upper half of the neoprene seal will rotate out easily. It is possible to replace the upper half of the rope seal too. It requires a rope seal installer available at good auto parts houses. But if the crank surface is pitted or worn, it won't seal up anyway unless you get the crank polished.

These engines leaked oil from the factory anyway. The dealers would put cardboard or wax paper under them to keep the oil off the showroom carpet. A 235 is like an old harley. If its not leaking, its low on oil!

chip

Preaching the Hot Rod Gospel according to the 4-stroke apostles:

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