312 Oil Leak


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By Jeff - 16 Years Ago
I recently acquired a 1957 Ford wagon with a 312/four barrel dual exhaust engine. The engine has good compression and after a bit of work (carb & distributer rebuild etc.) it runs well. In chasing down oil leaks I replaced the pan gasket and oil pump line seal at the pump and r & r the road draft assembly on the side of the block (it had been removed at one time to cap the road draft tube and add a PCV valve to the top of the canister. They used silicone in lieu of the block gasket and the canister seal.) At this point it looks as if I have a rear main leak. Oil is dripping from the inspection cover on the bell housing of the automatic transmission. Are there any options to stop or slow down this leak without having to pull the engine and do a complete tear down?

Thanks
By pcmenten - 16 Years Ago
Try doing a search on 'rear main seal'.



Here's one link;



http://www.y-blocksforever.com/forums/Topic18848-9-1.aspx?Highlight=rear+main+seal
By Jeff - 16 Years Ago
Thanks, I took your advice and it appears that I'm not the only person with this problem! It also points out that I can do the replacement with the engine in the car. Is the Best Gasket neoprene seal a replacement for the rope seal if my motor is so equipped and where can it and the side seals be purchased.

Thanks
By bird55 - 16 Years Ago
Best Gasket, try John Mummerts website for the Neoprene. And follow instructions. You may have to jack the engine up to remove the oil pan.
By pcmenten - 16 Years Ago
BTW, Jeff, Welcome to the site. There are a lot of very knowledgeable and friendly people here.
By paul2748 - 16 Years Ago
If you are going to replace the seal with the engine in the car, make sure that the engine is on TDC before removing the pan. Some cars require this, not sure about a 57.
By PF Arcand - 16 Years Ago
Jeff: Best has also recently come up with a new rope seal material. It contains Kevlar. However, you would need to inquire which is preferred for an in chassis installation.. my 312 rear seal is leaking also, so would like to know.
By Ted - 16 Years Ago

At the very least, the oil pan and rear seal retainer will need to be removed but this can be done with the engine in the chassis.  If the crankshaft is pitted in the rear seal area, then odds are not good in getting the leak fixed without removing the crankshaft from the engine and remachining the seal area.

 

Here’s the link to the article regarding neoprene seal installation that was published in Y-Block Magazine which may help.

Y-Block rear seal installation

By Jeff - 16 Years Ago
Since I just got this car back on the road what little driving I've done this rear seal is really leaking so it will be next on my to do list.

I'll keep you all posted as to my progress.

Thanks for your support and advice.

Paul, you're correct about the good folks and even better advice.

Jeff