Rear Main Seal

[jmather]

Hi all,
I am going to replace the wick rear main seal one more time in an attempt to stop the messy one drop. I was told to soak the rope in oil for 24 hours prior to instalation (did not do this last time). Makes sense to me. He also said they would put a length of throttle cable with the seal to create more compression. This also makes sense to me but I wanted to run it by all of you first. Also, would there be enough room to get both cable and seal in from underneath?
jm

 

[vwnate1]

It can be really tricky but yes , it can be done .

I assume you have the " Sneaky Pete " tool to help install the rope ? . I find that pinching it to conform to the slot's shape (more or less) halps it to slide in easier . I also leave a little bit of the rope sticking out on each end so it compresses when you torque up the rear main bearing cap . be _VERY_ carefull in doing this as any rope caught between the machined surface that need to touch will be disasterous .

You should prolly plastigauge the main bearings as if they're loose it'll never , _ever_ stop leaking .

Adding a PCV valve will also slow oil drips _way_ down as will ensuring the valves are never tight , timing is always spot on etc.

These trucks leaked oil in the showroom 55 years ago so do have realistic expectations please .

-Nate