main seal leaks

Charlie H. · May 27, 2008

Just got done rebuilding my WD-45 engine and I can't stop the rear main seal from leaking. I've had the engine out 4 times now, done what the farmers around here say to do-used a rope seal from a 1950-60 Ford 390, made sure the oil pan gaskets were not leaking, the last time was the ford rope seal but that was too big. I softly hammered it thin til it fit in the main bearing cap groove but then it fit so tight the engine would not turn over-tryed cutting some off and it leaked. Really would like hear some of your fixes for this leak.(with the engine running you can see the oil come out where the seal is) Thanks, Charlie H.

reichstall · May 27, 2008

i am fighting that right now so i would be interested in knowing how to stop it i am thinking of using a pump packing in the groove. but i am open to ideas

fence row · May 27, 2008

i never had that problem before, i just used the original seal from tht kit, might look at the seal area on the crankshaft, might have a ruff spot on the crank.

Texas Denny · May 27, 2008

I've only done about a dozen of these so I don't have a lot of experience. I've had trouble getting them in because they were too long and when that happened, I trimmed a very small amount and kept working it. I finally got it in and no leaks on any so far.

The seal area has to be very smooth. If it is scratched, the seal wears quickly.

Other than that I can't help much.

BushogPapa · May 27, 2008

Are you Positive it is not oil leaking from the hydrolic resevoir..??
That seal can be damaged from running the hydrolics low on oil and it will show up as a leak at the rear of the oil pan/clutch area..

Ron.

main seal leaks

Charlie H.

New User

reichstall

Member

fence row

Member

Texas Denny

Member

BushogPapa

Well-known Member

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