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Is there a two piece seal available for the front of the crank on a 1957 283? Can someone enlighten me to any shortcuts that would help me get this job done with minimum disassembly? Thanks for the help.
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Re: replacing front seal on '57 283. Any shortcuts
Jim-----
I've never seen or heard of a 2 piece seal for the front cover of any Chevrolet engine. I STRONGLY doubt that such a piece exists. Even if one were available, you'd still have to remove the cover in order to remove the old, 1-piece seal.
It may be possible to remove the front cover without complete removal of the oil pan. Just loosining it may be enough. The problem is that once the oil pan is loosened and the seal "broken", it will likely not re-seal when the bolts are tightened.
Basically, I think that it's best, if not completely required, to remove the oil pan and front cover to replace the seal. Replace the oil pan gasket with a 1 piece type gasket and you'll get that additional benefit out of the job.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: replacing front seal on '57 283. Any shortcuts
Are speaking of the round crankshaft seal that sits inthe front cover and the harmonic balencer slides into or are you talking the cover to block gasket? I have done the crankshaft seal several times and it is not hard, just time consuming. Send me an email and I will describe changing the crankshaft seal.Comment
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Re: replacing front seal on '57 283. Any shortcuts
Theodore and Jim-----
It is possible to remove the seal from the cover with the cover still installed on the engine. However, such a practice often results in distortion or damage to the timing cover. This is especially true for seals which have been installed for a long while and are "married" to the cover. It's hard enough to get these seals out without damaging the cover even when you have the cover off the engine. Even slight damage or distortion of the cover will result in sealing problems even if the seal, itself, is perfect.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: replacing front seal on '57 283. Any shortcuts
Jim
I have been very successful using shortcuts when removing and replacing the timing covers on small block Chevys. These time savers were helpful with cam and timing gear replacement. However, I was working on an ordinary Chevy small blocks and not a 57 283 Vette. These shortcuts could lead to further problems and leaks if not done just right. I suggest dropping the pan and remove the timing cover.
Good luck
BillComment
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Re: replacing front seal on '57 283. Any shortcuts
Jim,
I wrote your reply by email reply but it keeps bouncing back. Please check your address and send again.
TedComment
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