Front crank seal

G

Geo.T

Member
Just getting my car re-assembled after adjusting main and conn rod bearings. Was considering replacing the original rope type front crank seal with a modern neoprene seal from Snyders. Your comments would be appreciated. Thank you.
George
 
Rope is not known for an issue. The only real problem might be the installation of new. I use a hammer handle "sideways" and hit it with another hammer - the curve matches (more or less) the crankshaft and you kind of have to use the handle and hammer to "beat it down" to get it into place such that you can put the crank in place and the oil pan on.

This is not one of those tasks I would normally do laying under a car and working "up." Better done working "down" at first assembly while the engine is still in the swivel stand.

Joe K
 
Use the rope seal. With a good front pulley surface to run against, it will last a long time and not leak. Also, don't forget to put a dab of grease on the camshaft thrust plunger in the timing cover or you will have a squeak at start up that will drive you up the wall.
 
I thought "modern" was better but not so....
The use of the "modern seal" requires a very polished surface on the pulley and concentric installation to the wear surface so as to not stress the seal. Both are difficult to achieve. I used the modern for awhile but the extra effort was not warranted. The original rope seal work works every time.
Good day!
 
The rope seal works fine. Soak it prior to installation. Don't cut/trim it [like you would for a rear main seal]. Seat it fully using a large socket or hammer handle, etc. I add a dab [ technical term] of gasket sealer where the ends meet.
 
Rope.but be careful 'seating' it.soak in oil prior to assembly and pull the timing cover and pan into place,forcing the rope to take the contour of the crank pulley.I used the 3" riley steel pulley,no chance of fracture like cast and it slows the water pump down nicely..
 
Many of the new rope seals are teflon coated and it is not recommended to soak the new seal in oil . When the modern style front seal is used it will be necessary to remove the crankshaft pulley . Removing the pulley will be an extra pain when the modern front seal fails . I've never had a front rope seal to fail .
 
If you are using the old style cotton woven rope seal, soak it for several days to absorb oil. The new style teflon rope seals do not need soaking but just need a bit of grease on the contact surface to prevent heat damage at the first start up.
 
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