Dave.  I’ve used the Fel Pro neoprene seals for the 292 with great success so I’m not sure what you’re seeing with the neoprene seals you received in your particular FelPro gasket set.  For the 292Y, these are essentially the same neoprene seals that are supplied by Best Gasket, ROI, and some of the other brands out there.  Side seal designs do vary somewhat between manufacturers though.  As far as the extra rope seals go that are also included in the 292Y rebuild gasket kits, they just go into the parts bin as they are pretty universal in nature and fit a variety of other applications also.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Thanks, Ted.  I appreciate your help.  Based on your answer, I ordered a new Best neoprene rear seal.  My machine shop ordered a Fel Pro full set gasket kit because he said it came with a neoprene seal.  Great!  When I opened it, those two little half-moons raised big red flags.  I called Fel Pro.  The guy said Ford switched seals; if my car came with a rope I had to stay with it, but if it was machined for a neoprene, that was in the kit too.  I should have ordered the Best set.  It is much cheaper and comes with the right stuff.  - Dave

Royal Oak, Michigan (Four miles north of Detroit, and 12 miles NORTH of Windsor, Canada).  That's right, we're north of Canada.

Ford 292 Y-Block major overhaul by simplyconnected

Dave.  A neoprene seal can be fitted where a rope seal previously resided on a Y.  Al has already posted the link to the reprint of the article that was published in Y-Block magazine and there was also something similar published in Street Rodder magazine that I collaborated on with Armin Brown of Best Gasket.

 

One thing I’ll add though is insure that the seal surface on the crankshaft is in good condition and not pitted.  The factory hash marks on the crankshaft seal surface that help to keep the oil redirected into the engine are not a detriment to neoprene seal wear so I don’t worry about trying to remove those.  Some fine emory cloth on the seal surface is also recommended as many shops do not polish this area when they rework your crank.

 

And pass a HI back to Tom Drummond for me.  I’ve conversed pretty regularly with Vic but haven’t had the opportunity to speak with Tom since the Shootout.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Actually it is, Ted EATON. go here for his blog and you'll get a good walkthru.

http://www.eatonbalancing.com/blog/

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

Y-Blocks are notorious for leaking oil, by all accounts.  Since I started 'engine tear-down', I've been cautioned about rope vs neoprene rear seals, crappy umbrella vs viton valve seals, and such.  Now that I'm ready for 'engine build-up', I bought a Fel Pro full set gasket kit #7999 PT-3.  It comes with A ROPE, but it also comes with two half-moon neoprene rear seals.

After speaking with knowledgeable 'old Y-Block guys', they tell me the go-to guy is Ted Eaton from this site.  Ted, you are very highly regarded and popular with Y-Block hotroders across the USA.  Please tell me what's up with my 292 main seal.

Does the Fel Pro kit come both ways to cover all bases?  If my main oil seal was a rope, can I still use a neoprene in its place, or do I need a different main (one that accommodates the neoprene)?  Do I need anything special inside the oil pan for a pickup seal?  Where else should I pay close attention for oil leaks?

By the way Ted, Tom Drummond from Illinois, sends his greetings.  He’s the mechanic for Victor’s 55 T-bird, and says he’ll see you at this year’s Shootout in Columbus.

Thanks for your help.
Dave

Sorry for misspelling Ted's name.  Let me edit that right now.

Royal Oak, Michigan (Four miles north of Detroit, and 12 miles NORTH of Windsor, Canada).  That's right, we're north of Canada.

Ford 292 Y-Block major overhaul by simplyconnected