The rear main seal of my 350 leaks about a quart every 1000 miles or so. The engine was rebuilt by the original owner. I've installed three new seal sets (2 piece) but the leak continues. I've installed the sets with the lip pointing in & out just to see if would get better or worst, no change. Also after about 500 miles none of the seal sets show any wear when pulled. I'm thinking the rear seal area was machined to remove a groove (there is still a tiny groove present) & is now too small for the seal. Would an old rope style seal fix this problem? Where do you get these? Is the a sleeve or other fix it part that can be used? Any help or good pointer would be greatly apprecieated. Thanks.x( x(
I dont know your answer but I would find a engine building shop online or in person and ask them the question. I bet your not the only person thats had this problem before.
If you put the seal in with the open end of the lip facing outwards (backwards) and it didnt get any worse, they must have cut the crank down, and I have never seen any kind of a speedy sleeve or anything for that end of the crank. As for the rope seal it might help, but depending on how much smaller the crank is, it might not stop the leak. I would check with a engine machine shop as to where to get the rope seal, they should know.
