OK so to update.
I received the Best seal from Egge Machine.
I have the car on the rack and the oil draining.
Plan is to pull the pan tomorrow after work and remove the old
seal. Clean everything up and check all our clearances one more time and then install the new seal per the (brief) instructions that came with the seal. The instructions say to oil the seal surfaces after installation but make no mention of soaking it.
Plan is to not use the sneaky pete tool, so as not stretch the seal at all. After loosening all the mains and removing the spark plugs I will try to feed/push the top seal in while rotating the crank. If successful I plan to pack it a bit and trim per the instructions and install the other 1/2 in the cap per usual and trim accordingly. Apply Permatex aviation sealer to the cap mating surfaces and re-torque the whole thing again. Instructions say not to use any sealer on the mating surfaces of the seal. I think it best to let it sit for a spell, maybe overnite, before filling with oil and firing her up again.
So, that's the plan. I guess we'll have to wait and see if the plan comes together in a couple of days.
I have also given my buddy the "though shalt not over-rev" speach more than once in hopes that this as a possible cause will be taken out of the equation on the next round!
If any of you guy have any last words of wisdom or see any flaws in the plan, don't hold back now.
Chuck
