1957 rear main seal

[Bruce W.]

I changed the rear main seal and still have a leak. used the replacement seal from corvette central. all surfaces seemed fine. it was very tight to get in do you have to take out the transnmission to get enough space to change the seal? Any special tricks?
Bruce

[Joe L.]

Re: 1957 rear main seal

I changed the rear main seal and still have a leak. used the replacement seal from corvette central. all surfaces seemed fine. it was very tight to get in do you have to take out the transnmission to get enough space to change the seal? Any special tricks?
Bruce

Bruce----


You should not have to remove the transmission (although that might make it easier).

Did you apply sealant to the area of the cap and block adjoining the seal ends? Also, did you carefully inspect the seal contact area of the crankshaft for obvious wear, grooves, or nicks? If any of these exist, you'll never get it to seal no matter what seal you use.

[Michael M.]

Re: 1957 rear main seal

Instructions on sealing parting line between block and main cap are correct. I put a dot of sealer on the parting lines of the seal itself as well. Is the seal you used the neoprene replacment for the old rope seal? ALL rope seals leak. I assume you loosened the main caps to lower the rear of the crankshaft enough to remove the top half of the old seal. I use long, solvent soaked Q-tips to remove oil and residue from the upper annular groove then lightly coat the outer circumference of the new seal halves with red RTV. It goes without saying that the two halves of the seal are not idiot proof and either half can be installed backward (with the lip seal facing aft rather than forward). If either half is installed backwards it will leak like and oil well.