Need some 59ab Main Seal info

[4t8v8]

After trying in vain to get the white FelPro seals to hold (twice). (8BA engine). I finally Googled Felpro to get any info I could. On their web site they said do NOT presoak the rope seals as the fibers in them expand when they soak up oil. If presoaked they will not compress in the groove as they should and a leak will result. Install them dry and put a few drops of oil on them before you install the oil pan. As they soak up oil they will expand and seal. This is their recommendation. I tried it. 3000 miles and no leaks!!

[flthd31]

Originally Posted by 4t8v8

After trying in vain to get the white FelPro seals to hold (twice). (8BA engine). I finally Googled Felpro to get any info I could. On their web site they said do NOT presoak the rope seals as the fibers in them expand when they soak up oil. If presoaked they will not compress in the groove as they should and a leak will result. Install them dry and put a few drops of oil on them before you install the oil pan. As they soak up oil they will expand and seal. This is their recommendation. I tried it. 3000 miles and no leaks!!

Very interesting.
I followed you lead and called FelPro Tech Line (800-325-8886) and they told me the same thing, that is, DO NOT SOAK white seals in oil.
He said the rope seals used to be made with asbestos and required soaking.
The white seals now are made of nylon with a white graphite coating. They will NOT absorb oil and soaking could remove the graphite coating.

He said to press them in the grove and trim if necessary. Then lightly coat the exposed surface with Lubriplate No. 105 Motor Assembly Grease.

[Ken/Alabama]

Originally Posted by flthd31

Very interesting.
I followed you lead and called FelPro Tech Line (800-325-8886) and they told me the same thing, that is, DO NOT SOAK white seals in oil.
He said the rope seals used to be made with asbestos and required soaking.
The white seals now are made of nylon with a white graphite coating. They will NOT absorb oil and soaking could remove the graphite coating.

He said to press them in the grove and trim if necessary. Then lightly coat the exposed surface with Lubriplate No. 105 Motor Assembly Grease.

Thanks for sharing,thats good information. Just about all of the seals I have used have been the old ones but I do have some of those new ones mentioned here.