The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop replacing engine seals

anyone have any experience with replacing the front and rear main seals on a 216 c.i. engine in a 1950 truck? i'm hoping to not get too far into the bottom end, in other words, i am trying to see if while i have the oil pan off, i can replace the bearing seals without dropping the crank.

any input would be appreciated!

Sure, here's a how-to right off our forum:
http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/rearseal.htm

For the front seal you need to pull the damper pulley. It is possible to remove the seal from the front cover and replace it without removing the cover. Some would advise not to do it that way. My advice is to look at the area to see if it is leaking. If it isn't, leave it alone.

If by chance the front seal is leaking, Felpro sells a s/s (Quick/Speedi) sleeve that slides on the balancer so your new stock seal will have a good seal surface.

You might want to consider drilling and tapping your crank snout so you can draw on the balancer with a small-block Chevy balancer bolt/stud and washer. It's a realitively simple process that simplifies balancer installation and gives you a bolt head to use to turn over your engine with a socket and breaker bar.

Dave