About two years ago I replaced the rear main seal with a neoprene one as part of a restoration of my 56 Bird (312).  Last year I went on a trip across country (6300 miles) and the seal started leaking, so last winter I replaced it.  I just came back from a 2200 mile trip and the new seal is leaking.  This latest seal was one by Best recommended by Ted. I bought it from John.  I also installed an aftermarket retainer (when the seal was replaced the first time) and everything was checked for trueness (replacement was done out of the car, crank removed) when the second seal was installed. The crank surface was smoothed as part of the seal replacement.
The first time I replaced the seal the engine had a rope seal that really wasn't too bad. I am thinking of going back to a rope seal.  A while back , Best gasket came out with a graphite composition that is supposed to be much better than currently available rope seals..  Has anybody used one of these? Any luck with it?As part of this is crankcase venting.  I currently use the old vent tube.  Is going to one of the PCV kits a better choice as far as real main problems go (internal pressure)?Thanks for any information.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ