The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Rear Main Seal Problems

I'm going to apologize right off the bat for posting a question here regarding a F--d, but I really do depend on this rig as a parts hauling machine for my '35 Chev restoration project. Please bear with me.

I've got a '65 F-250 (2wd) with a 1970 Mercury 429 in it. Leaked oil from the rear-main like a seive so I undertook the task of replacing the old rope seal with a new 2-piece Felpro split rubber type. Had a heck of a time getting the old seal picked out of the block half but managed after about 4 hours with a piece of brass brazing rod to get it all out. The new seal slipped in nicely, put RTV gasket maker on bearing cap face, torqued everything down, and put pan back on. When I started it up the next day, the thing leaked worse than ever!

Has anyone had an experience like this before with this type of seal. I've only used the old rope style before (on my '63 Olds) and it worked fine. Any advice or sympathy is welcomed.

John Larson