are '50 Merc and '50 Ford control arm seals the same?

T

timdhawk

Member
I have a '50 Merc and a control arm shaft seal kit "labeled" for such, but I think its actually for a Ford. The seals appear to be way to small for the control arm shaft diameter, even if they are meant to stretch. Anyone know if there will work, or if not, what are Merc owners using for seal replacements?
Thanx
 
You won't find any the correct size unless they are NOS and everyone knows how well rubber holds up if stored badly. I use NOS as long as it can still be made pliable with lubricant. I've also used the small ones but I put them in safety solvent until they grow enough to be easily installed. Who knows what rubber is used in offshore manufacturing so don't let them grow more than needed. I tend to err on the safe side and get them close but still a bit tight. Dry them off and then lube them up with chassis grease just before they need to be installed. Wait overnight to see if they have split. They have a tendency to shrink back up after swelling them so be ready to install them before swelling them. I've had some split and some look as good as new. If they are made from an incompatible rubber then a person has to try another brand. To look at them you don't know if it's neoprene, chloroprene, or Nitrile rubber. Chloroprene is common now but may not have been back in the 50s.

The Mercs definitely have BIG shafts compared to a Ford. They were heavy duty as a car got back then for size and application. I built mt own spacing tools to replace the threaded bushings. A have two 1951 Mercurys and had to rebuild both of them.
 
Tim: The Ford shaft seal will not fit the Merc. shafts as the Merc shafts are larger dia.
Photos below.
 
Last edited:
TIM: The Merc seals are bigger than the Ford and will not fit the Ford as the Ford shafts are smaller dia. I sent you a Private Message.
 

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