For a long time I have used the standard rope type seal on the front timing cover to seal the crank. I have always had to pry the timing cover down onto the crank snout with a drift. No Problem. Lately, the last two times, that rope seal has just slided in with no pressure on the crank snout at all. I have tried it both soaked in oil and not. Anyway I do not get a tight seal between the crank snout and the seal. I get an oil leak. Anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions? Thanks.
Front main seal
- Thread starter PC/SR
- Start date
BILL WILLIAMSON
Well-known member
I wonder if the rope seals "swell" a little when they "soak" in some oil, when running???
Bill W.
Bill W.
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BILL WILLIAMSON
Well-known member
Yes, PC,
Getting old is a *****, we have to adapt, & be happy for the things we CAN DO. That's why I post here, to hopefully help someone & to hopefully make someone LAFF!
Bill W.
glenn in camino
Well-known member
I keep my rope and cork seals in a jar of oil so they'll be ready when I need them.
Indiana A. Lover
Senior Member
Glenn That is Good thinking. I am getting ready to put gaskets in my 31 so I shall follow your Expert advice, Thank you Don in Indiana
Bob Bidonde
Well-known member
When oil soaked, the seal becomes more pliable, so squeeze-up pressure on the crankshaft is reduced.
Before reading the other posts, I replaced the front pan/ timing cover seal with the teflon/rope type (came with the vendor's gasket set) soaked in oil for a week. It was sure a bear to get the timing cover bolts to line up in the block without heavy pressure. Radiator wasn't removed, etc. Pan seal was no problem even with leaving the ends long and sealant.
Still have a leak. Is there a wear-in period or am I missing something here? Lots of +10% grades in our area also for oil to run forward in the motor but don't notice as much leakage on the flat. The seal that was replaced was the "modern" 1 piece neoprene type inherited with the car and was completely worn in a couple of thousand miles. The pulley appeared smooth and stable. Also,engine has high compression head, stock blow by tube.
Should I look for the original type rope seal and start over? The pan seal is doing fine so far.
Still have a leak. Is there a wear-in period or am I missing something here? Lots of +10% grades in our area also for oil to run forward in the motor but don't notice as much leakage on the flat. The seal that was replaced was the "modern" 1 piece neoprene type inherited with the car and was completely worn in a couple of thousand miles. The pulley appeared smooth and stable. Also,engine has high compression head, stock blow by tube.
Should I look for the original type rope seal and start over? The pan seal is doing fine so far.
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