1934 Ford Rear Main Seal ?

[tomkc1]

The rear main seal in my original 1934 Ford leaks pretty good. I had a dear friend who was my mechanic(and who passed away a number of years ago) and he told me he didn't want to get involved in fixing it. He was older at the time so I think that is why he didn't want to fix it.

My question is: Just how much work is involved in replacing the main rear seal? Is it something that requires special knowledge? Could any good mechanic fix it?

Thanks for any advice.

Tom

 

[Ken/Alabama]

If its indeed a 34 engine it doesnt have a seal, just a slinger . If the leaking is caused by having too much clearance in the rear main bearing the repair is going to be really involved being it has poured babbit bearings not inserts.

 

[tomkc1]

Thanks, Ken. It is the original engine, no doubt. Is that why my friend didn't want to do the job?

I don't suppose there is any easy way to figure out why its leaking, is there?

 

[David J]

If it is not a loose rear main you probably have a restriction in the drain pipe or it is screwed in too far . If you screw these in too far they act as a dam & will cause a leak . 5 turns is what I give them . If you aren't running this pipe the drain hole it goes in may be plugged some . Does your motor have much blowby ? If yes & if you are not running the drain pipe you are asking for a leak . Funny thing - the model A folks know how important this pipe is but V-8 folks have opinions all over the board on this . I ALWAYS use one - even if using later pumps so you have to put a copper extension on it .The cover over the oil pump drive gear can also leak & this will seem like a rear main leak .