C1 Rear Main Seal

[Bob Herman]

I'm attempting to correct a rear engine oil leak in my '58 which has a NOM 283 with a '57 casting date. The engine has less than 1,000 mi. on it since rebuild. It had a rope type rear main seal which leaked immediately after the rebuild. At least it appears that the seal is the culprit (the pan gasket could have been a contributor).

I dropped the pan last night and ATTEMPTED to replace the rope seal with a neoprene seal. It appears that the rear main cap and the block are only set up for a rope seal. The seal channel has a "V" shape to it which the neoprene seal will not fit. I was under the impression that the neoprene seal was an alternative for this engine. Do I have the wrong seal? Am I stuck with a rope seal again? If the latter, will I need to drop the crank to install? The engine is in the car, but on a four post lift. Thanks for any help.

Bob Herman

[Mike M.]

Re: C1 Rear Main Seal

gary pronesti has a neoprene seal to replace the rope seal. put one in my early small block years ago and no leaks. hia new Phone # is 352 253 1957(he relocated to flordia recently) mike

[Roy B.]

Re: C1 Rear Main Seal

I installed the new rubber seal and it's still lecking a vary little. There is a tool you can get to replace the rope seal , after all it worked , just need to know how to replace it properly . I think I'll go back to it.

[Bob Herman]

Thanks Mike and Roy!

Roy,

What was your source for the seal? Were you replacing it on an early engine with the "V" shaped seal channel? Thanks.

Bob

[John H.]

Re: Thanks Mike and Roy!

Paragon has the correct alternative wire-reinforced neoprene seal to replace the "rope" seal, their #4340K, $25.00. I used one six years ago when I rebuilt my '57, never leaked a drop. Can't remember the manufacturer, but it's one of the well-known seal/gasket outfits - NAPA probably has it (or can order it).

[Dave Suesz]

I put one in my 55 years ago...

and it is holding up just fine..

[Roy B.]

Re: Thanks Mike and Roy!

In my 265 V8 , got it from C@C.