Barry, I'm sure you are probably correct. The problem with my 261 is that the two piece rubber seal put in nearly 30 years ago just doesn't seal anymore. It has most likely gotten old, hard, and just flat lost what sealing properties it had a few years ago.
It didn't leak for many years, but has gradually gotten to the point that it will have to be replaced. Engine has no blowby, even though it is nearly 30 years old now since the rebuild. (Only about 25,000 miles over that time on this engine.) Could be this engine wasn't run enough to keep the seal pliable longer.
I need to do some clutch work, as well as other maintance to this engine and will simply pull engine and trans as a unit and replace the seals both front and rear as well as some cosemtics under the hood.
I thouroughly enjoy this old pkup, and most certainly enjoy that 261. A little later I'll put some better gears for highway use so it will pass gas stations more often than stopping.
