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| | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 43 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 43 | I replaced the seal today "rope" and was wondering why a sealant should not be used. I'm just curious about the reasons. The package says not to, and I think I read on here a ways back the same. I sure wish the 216 would accept a neoprene seal. Has anybody just for grins tried putting one in a 216 and what were the results. I've heard everything about the tolerances and I'm just curious. Who knows, maybe there is a perfect 216 crank just as there are imperfect ones.
It's been a busy weekend. I converted to 12V in addition to tending to the oil spill and I've got the upper seal in. I just have to put the cap back on, but being inquiring I'd like to know first about the reasons behind not using RTV on the ends.
12V are very good!
Thanks, Spencer
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | The idea is the seal is soaked in oil, and it swells up somewhat and seals best it can. I can't see how any type of sealant would help a rope seal, just hurt. My 1955 235 gave me fits with rubber main seals leaking, I eventually solved the problem. Perhaps I had problems because it is an early 235 and had not been designed for a rubber seal? So far I don't have an answer/reason, but I do know others with 55 235 engines have had similar problems. Read about my "fix" in this thread: https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthread...g&topic=0&Search=true#Post369673Grigg
Last edited by Grigg; 04/07/2008 3:26 AM.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 30 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 30 | The rope seals they sell today are real junk. In the old days before environmental issues they made these seals with asbestos fibers which swelled and sealed OK. Today you are better off ussing a replacement rubber seal and use rtv on the seams. The new rope seal will definetely leak and you will be replacing it sooner than later. When you eventually do a engine rebuild it is possible to have end of crank machined to accept a modern Neoprene full circle seal.
1950 3100 3 windo
1951 gmc 102
1958 chevy 3200
1959 gmc 102
1963 c20
1959 buick lesabre
1961 buick lesabre
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,953 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,953 | As I have written before, try to offset the ends of the seal where they butt so they are not lined up with the seam between the bearing cap and the block. This will help stop a leak considerably. | | |
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