rear main seal

[Perry M.]

Can the original rear main seal, which happens to be the rope type in my 57, be replaced with the newer style, without removing the crankshaft. I've seen it done on one of the TV shows but they were replacing a rubber seal with another rubber seal. Does anyone know a part number for the replacement seal?

[Joe L.]

Re: rear main seal

Can the original rear main seal, which happens to be the rope type in my 57, be replaced with the newer style, without removing the crankshaft. I've seen it done on one of the TV shows but they were replacing a rubber seal with another rubber seal. Does anyone know a part number for the replacement seal?

Perry------


Yes, the seal can be replaced with the newer-type style seal although the later GM seal cannot be used.

I believe the seals are manufactured by Best Gasket Co., but there may be other manufacturers. Among other sources, you can get one from Eckler's. The Best Gasket part number is 3711X.

I'm pretty sure these seals can be installed without removing the crankshaft, just like the later seals.

By the way, the rope type seals were never very good. However, when the asbestos was eliminated from them quite a few years ago, they really got bad. So, now, going to the newer type seal is even more important.

[Chris S.]

Re: rear main seal

Fel Pro makes the two piece rear main seal for the SBC
I have installed several
You can install them in the car
There are plenty of U Tube videos doing demo
Only tip is to install the seal off center from the cap split - prevent oil leaks

[Perry M.]

Re: rear main seal

Thank you chris and Joe. I will check out the U tube videos. If I understand you correctly, you're suggesting that I rotate the seal joints so that they are not in the same plane as the cap to block joints. Do you still recommend using some type of silicone in the corners and perhaps at the seal joints?

[Troy P.]

Re: rear main seal

Yes a spot of your fav gasket sealant.

[Chris S.]

Re: rear main seal

Thank you chris and Joe. I will check out the U tube videos. If I understand you correctly, you're suggesting that I rotate the seal joints so that they are not in the same plane as the cap to block joints. Do you still recommend using some type of silicone in the corners and perhaps at the seal joints?

Yep - just a dab in the corners