Proper oil seal for crank?

[Tom Kochtanek]

Quick question: What is the proper oil seal for the rear side of the crank? The old manual show a "wick-type" seal, while the one I have is a pair of halves that make a perfect circle. Was thinking of "staggering" these in the groove, to offset the possible gap left by the bearing cap.

So I guess that's two questions:

Which is the correct seal and
How to apply?

Any tips here would be most appreciated. I am making some progress on the build, and am learning lots. Let's hope one thing I learn is that I should let an accomplished mechanic do this! I have one watching over me :)

Cheers,
TomK

[dq409]

Originally posted by Tom Kochtanek
Was thinking of "staggering" these in the groove, to offset the possible gap left by the bearing cap.

TomK

Correctomundo !!!! The two piece will also last longer,,,

[Bungy]

And don't forget the two wedged shaped seals under the rear main cap.

[SSpev]

I wouldn't use a rope seal unless I had to. Question has anyone used silcone in place of the seals under the rear main cap? Did it work?

[Tom Kochtanek]

Bungy states: "And don't forget the two wedged shaped seals under the rear main cap."

I think this is what I might be missing. Is this something I can order? From where?

Best,
TomK

[Phil Reed]

Tom...when you lose those little seals...you have to buy a whole rear main seal kit. They come in the full gasket set but are not available by themselves.

[Phil Reed]

Tom...I've never heard of "staggering" the rear main seals. I understand your intent but don't think you would get proper alignment with the rear main cap or get correct torque readings if you try that.

Better ask Tony first.........

[fatride]

Small block guys have been using this method for years, It is a tried and true method. Check and double check that the seal is facing the correct direction! (Ask me how I know this)
:)

[dq409]

Originally posted by fatride
Small block guys have been using this method for years, It is a tried and true method. Check and double check that the seal is facing the correct direction! (Ask me how I know this)
:)

OK,,, How do you know ths ? Heeee Hoooo hee I can guess !!

Also inspect the seal for any defects, like flat spots or such,,,,
(ask ME how I know this)

Phil, The stagger is the way to install them,,, been doing it for years,,,,

[Phil Reed]

oh thay!!!! I'll take your word for it!!

[Tom Kochtanek]

Fatride, I double checked on the direction of the seals :)

Phil states: "Tom...when you lose those little seals...you have to buy a whole rear main seal kit. They come in the full gasket set but are not available by themselves."

Good to know -- maybe I didn't lose them after all -- will check the box again, but I recall openning the plastic pouch and they weren't contained in that :( So these are just two little rubber slivers about an inch long???

Cheers,
TomK

[walkerheaders]

Question has anyone used silcone in place of the seals under the rear main cap? Did it work?

I'd be scared to have silicone anywhere near any engine of mine. i have seen too much of that stuff clogged up in customer oil pumps.

tom, get some permatex #2 the brush-on kind, put a lite coat on the outside of the rear main seal halfs, put a tiny spot on the ends of the halfs, put the first half in the block with one side up out of the groove about a 1/2 inch (staggering both) put a lite coat of oil on the lip of the seals, make sure the lip is facing inward, a little dab of sealer on the small seals, then install rear cap.
brush sealer on the block surface where gaskets and end seals go, put oil rails and end seals on. brush on top of gaskets and end seals. a little spot of silicone in the 4 corners where the gaskets and seals meet. let stand while you take a small ball pien and a large one to the oil pan mounting holes. walk the pan up to the workbench.... put the rail on top, small ball in hole and hit with big hammer. same in each hole.
put pan on, dont overtighten, when drawn down, put silicone in the void all the way around sides of pan and end seals. let dry, paint, then install balancer and flywheel.........never leaks.

[Tom Kochtanek]

Bob:

Thanks for the level of detail and the encouragement that done right , it'll never leak !

Best,
TomK

[SSpev]

Bob walker........ uh.... Thats how I've done all my engines. What I want to know is about leaving out the little rubber wings under the rear main cap. Not the rear seal. Can they be replaced by anything if you don't have them.

[walkerheaders]

"make sure the lip is facing inward, a little dab of sealer on the small seals, then install rear cap."

SSpev: as far as quoting you, i didnt mean any harm, i just saw the word silicone and jumped the gun, sorry, that stuff scares me. i wanted to help tom, you apparently already know what to do. and i'm certain there are other guys with good ways i havent thought of. i had to read my own post again just to be sure. looks like i called "em "small seals". anyhow, no one would want to leave those out.

PS hows the leg?

[brisbane47]

Just make sure you wear safety glasses when you hit the two hardened hammer faces together. TS

[SSpev]

No problem Bob W. I realize Typing is not the best way to communicate;) Just trying to get some answers. I don't like silly cone much either. I just use it for glue and in adjoin corners. I even use the end gasket on intakes! We use alot of the suff at work. They even cost cut bby getting rid of gaskets and putting that stuff on. Just went through that with my current project. Took them 2 YEARS to understand you couldn't replace the gasket on a rocker housing with silicon. Besides, why, its in production. :scratch ... Back to the question. I don't want to leave them out just want a replacement without having to buy a rear seal kit.:cheers

[fatride]

If your going to replace any gasket with sealer use "The Right Stuff" Sold in any auto parts store. I use this on my intake manifold ends in stead of the rubber gaskets I believe that the Right stuff will seal were the small gaskets were left out of the rear main,,,,,, any takers??

;)

[SSpev]

Almost for got. The leg is about the same. Doesn't hurt, can't use it. Got 3 more weeks for the next xray. Who knows whats next. Thanks for asking Bob W.

Hey DQ. I liked "looks like you're rolling some pain killer" heheheh Never did that, no really never.


Here are 2 links to the surgery I had done to my leg. There is very little blood and a couple insisions. You have been worned.


http://www.ortho-u.net/oa2/561.htm
http://www.ortho-u.net/oa2/56.htm

[dq409]

O,,,,, MY,,,,,,,,,GAWD !!!!!!
http://smilies.sofrayt.com/%5E/4/jawdown.gif



After looking at those links,,,,,, Looks like some evil tribal ritual !!!
I may have to roll something and I wouldn`t blame you if you were in that picture !!! And I don`t anymore !!

Well I bet your gonna be better then new !!!

[dq409]

Back to the sealer stuff,,,, after I found the gray GM sealant I only use it !! It stays where you put it and I have never seen ANY ball up and fall into the pan like the crappy blue or red stuff. Even works better then the black,,,,, Aubrey recomended it and man is it good stuff !!!

[Bungy]

DQ, What's that gray sealer called? Do I just ask the GM parts counter guy for the gray sealer? You know how those parts counter guys are. They're going to want a make, model, year .....

[dq409]

Lets hope Aubrey sees this post,,, He will know,,,,
it`s across town in my garage or I would look.
I`m sure the guys at GM would know what you want and get it right,,,,,,,
If I remember correctly it is designed to be used on the new cars and not damage the electronic or other sensors,,,,,,,
I also found the same stuff at my parts house,,,,, just look for the grey stuff,,,,

[CDNpontiac409guy]

This is funny.... first time I looked at his thread:p

GM calls it "GMS". Used exclusively for engine work in GM dealerships. If you ask the partsman at your dealership for a tube ( or cartridge ) of GMS, he/she will know what you're talking about.

:deal :cheers