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

Jonathan, I too will probably be chastized for liking early '60s "Ferds" as well -- in my opinion, the '61 to '66s were the only years that **** made a better looking truck than Chevs of the same vintage (the jury is still out on these new '03 Chevs though -- pretty ugly looking front headlight and grill set up). Anyway, the rubber seal set I bought was correct for the 429 (at least that's what the packaging said and the fit seemed right when I put it in).

And Jeff, I did grind down the pointer on the bearing cap with my Dremel tool (being careful not to take anything more off than the pointer of course).

I went to my local auto parts store today and found that I can still buy an old rope seal for this motor. I'm wondering if putting the rope back in there will seal whatever nooks and crannies are letting oil by. They're a pain to slip into the upper half but I figure it would be worth the effort given that the rubber seal doesn't seem to work. Any thoughts on this idea? Also, has anyone discovered a good way to get the rope seal into the top part -- I'd used fishing line tied to it while turning the crank shaft the last time I tried. I was thinking that a little sturdier wire attached to the end might work a little better. Also, now that I've ground down the pointer, will this make a difference for the lower seal?