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#522093 03/29/2009 1:46 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 208
M
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
M Offline
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 208
Hi guys - I got the 58 apache home Thursday at about 10pm. This evening I started the process to replace the rear main seal because the previous owner said it leaked like crazy (it doesn't run at the moment but is all together).

So I pulled the pan & bearing cap easy enough. Cleaned everything etc. Of course the hard part is getting the upper seal out.

HOW THE HECK DOES THIS THING COME OUT??? (sorry for shouting). I tried to drive it out like I would a rubber one, but this rope seal is crap.

The tech tips said to loosen all the bearing caps & drop the crank, but with the transmission/clutch/fly wheel attached & tight how will the crank drop?

Need help!


1958 Chevy Apache 3200
bone stock 235
53k miles
3 on the tree
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 388
H
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
H Offline
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 388
Have you tried a Sneaky Pete and a Best Gasket Company Chevrolet rope seal?

Hoyt

Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 208
M
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
M Offline
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 208
I knew there had to be a tool that would pull this. Can this be bought locally or do I need to order one online?


1958 Chevy Apache 3200
bone stock 235
53k miles
3 on the tree
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 208
M
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
M Offline
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 208
Doesn't matter - I just bought one on ebay. Will be here this week. Thanks for the help. I'll let you know how frustrated I am once it arrives.


1958 Chevy Apache 3200
bone stock 235
53k miles
3 on the tree
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 9,115
'Bolter
'Bolter
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 9,115
That threaded tool is very handy for this. thread it in as far as possible and pull it out.


1951 GMC 1 Ton Flatbed -- It is finally on the road and what a great time I have driving it!
1951 1 Ton Completed


My Chevy Master 4 Door is on the Road!
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,458
4
Extreme Gabster
Extreme Gabster
4 Offline
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,458
If you push in and release the clutch with the bearing cap loose the crank should drop a bit. You will want to have an assistant do it again with you when you tighten up the bearing cap again, though.


Paint & Body Shop moderator
A lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 208
M
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
M Offline
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 208
Thanks for the advice. If I can't get the 'pete' to remove the seal I'll recruit my 7 year old son to help work the clutch while I pry on the crank.


I read somewhere online that if you drop the crank you will guarantee a leak in the front seal. This true? I don't want to cause myself any more problems.


By the way - The odometer reads 56k - could be 156, 256, 356. I don't know - but the underside is very clean - no gunk built up no rust. Been sitting for 15 years. I'm hoping it is just plain ol' 56k.

Oh - since I'm thinking about this - there are a ton of casting numbers & other things stamped on the parts. I have no idea if these are good to know or not, but thought I'd write them down just in case.


1958 Chevy Apache 3200
bone stock 235
53k miles
3 on the tree
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 208
M
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
M Offline
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 208
Once the rear main seal is replaced, I'm going to rebuild the carb & then drain & clean the tank & fuel lines.

It should start right up after that.


1958 Chevy Apache 3200
bone stock 235
53k miles
3 on the tree
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 208
M
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
M Offline
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 208
Got the sneaky pete in the mail today - took about 1 hour to complete the seal swap from that point.

Thanks for the help guys. I'll let you know when I get it running.


1958 Chevy Apache 3200
bone stock 235
53k miles
3 on the tree
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 82
R
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
R Offline
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 82
Midget,

Did you have any trouble with the crank or were you able to pull it through without loosening all of the journals?

As you might guess, I get to do this fairly soon...

Thanks,
Richard


Richard
58 3104

Moderated by  Phak1, Woogeroo 

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