I had a small rear main leak on my 55 when I got it/replace the road draft tube sys with a pvc sys and hasn't leak a drop send then that was 3 years ago

Years ago my dad said they used to keep rope seals sitting in oil all the time because they were replacing them so often. All the cars he worked on then were family cars & daily drivers so they were pretty beat up by the time they came in. He said most of the time it wasn't really the seal that was bad but that the crankshaft was worn too bad. Watched him gather up all the wax paper from the guys lunch buckets & miking them to get the thickness he was looking for to "shim" up the rear main bearing to get a tighter fit on the rear bearing.

Dan      Kingman Az.      86409

I've used rope seals and never had an issue with leaking. the trick is to soak the rope in engine oil for a day or two then use your fingers to really work the oil in to the rope.

The use of additives will cause an issue with the oil filter gasket wether you use a spin on adaptor or not. the additive will swell and distort the gasket causing it to leak.

It definately is tougher if you have an automatic trans. but with a flashlight and mirror and some patience you should be able to see it.

312T85Bird

What?

Old tyme mechanic once told me that Y-Blocks are like big dogs, They mark their spot for lesser breeds to see. Chuck

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

I used the Felpro neoprene that was in a full kit I bought.. Pfft! Y block sweat I call it!



"Came too close to dying to stop living now!"

Neoprene lip seals that replace the old rope seals. You can get 'em at any auto parts store or antique car parts supplier. One part number fits any Y except the 312. The "Best" seals are made by Best Gasket. They are a rope seal but are made of Teflon fiber instead of the material most rope seals are made of these days.

John Mummert has them but Best Gasket also. They are a regular 2 piece seal like used in modern cars. I find them to be an excellent replacement for the old rope seals. Chuck

http://www.ford-y-block.com/gaskets.htm

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/fel-bs6141?seid=srese1&gclid=CP-KmYroy7cCFQuZ4Aod5zsAOw

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

Whats the "new neoprene seals"?Who makes them?What are the "Best" seals made of?

  

I used the new neopreme seals on my last build. So far no leaks! I have to recommend them. They worked for me. Chuck

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire