rear main seal 1957

[Bruce W.]

Had a rope seal which leaked replaced with a replcement seal from corvette central (not rope). after 50 miles it leaks worse. are these replacement seals any good. Should I go back to a rope seal? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Bruce

[Greg P.]

Re: rear main seal 1957

Bruce you can use the rubber seal from Danchuks, they sell parts for 55-57 chevys

[Joe R.]

Re: rear main seal 1957

Bruce,

There is nothing wrong with using the rope rear main seal. You just need to find an old mechanic that's done them before. They are easy to install but the secret is not in the installation. It's in the procedure to warm up the engine, cool it down and wait 24 hours.
Find you an old engine builder in your area. The old guys are eager to teach the secrets (methods) used for years.

JR

[Pierre J.]

Re: rear main seal 1957

I've used the two pieces neoprene seals kit w/wire from Paragon on my '56 265 and my '57 283 and never had a problem. Had them now for over 6 years.

Pierre

[Joe L.]

Re: rear main seal 1957

Had a rope seal which leaked replaced with a replcement seal from corvette central (not rope). after 50 miles it leaks worse. are these replacement seals any good. Should I go back to a rope seal? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Bruce

Bruce-----


The neoprene seals should work fine. TWO IMPORTANT THINGS:

1) The parting line of the rear main cap and block needs to be sealed with a good sealer. Ultra Black RTV will work but I've used Permatex Indian Head sealer for years with no problems.

2) If there is any damage to the crank seal surface, then NO type of seal is going to result in a leak-free condition. Damage includes general wear-down, grooving, nicking, etc. The seal surface has to be near-perfect for the seal to work. If the seal surface is not perfect, you might be better off with a PROPERLY INSTALLED rope seal, but you'll still end up with a leak.