Help please, Nervous about model B Babbit

[Busmoss]

Engine is in the car attached to model A transmission. I didn’t expect that I couldn’t clear the cap to remove completely from bell housing. There is not enough space like I have seen on the “A” assembly. I was checking clearances.
My problem is : I went to reinstall but the cap feels spongy against the block. I have found no shims here like I expected. Noticed chopped fiber (see picture) on the labyrinth oil seal. I think this is being compressed but wanted to run it by someone with more experience than I. I am asking before I crank the cap back up.
What to do? 🥴

[Busmoss]

Also, please see better quality unmarked photo

[KR500]

You have the crankshaft with #4 on the down stroke. If you were to rotate the crank to bring #4 to TDC would you be able to remove cap and examine better?

[Busmoss]

The counter balance is in the way I think. Here are some more photos of the fiber fuzz. The oil seals in my books don't have this.

[old ugly]

if you tap the cap bolts up a little bit, not all the way out , would that give you a bit more clearance?

[Busmoss]

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Kr500 and Old Ugly,
Thank you for the suggestions on cap removal. I went and tried those but I think that issue is the model B’s clearance difference. The space is tighter at TDC and i pushed the bolts up as far as they could go.
What do ya think that fiber is? Is it some lost sealing technique? I am afraid to reinstall caps and catch that junk in the surface.

[Busmoss]

Cap Clearance issue

[old ugly]

Originally Posted by Busmoss

Kr500 and Old Ugly,
Thank you for the suggestions on cap removal. I went and tried those but I think that issue is the model B’s clearance difference. The space is tighter at TDC and i pushed the bolts up as far as they could go.
What do ya think that fiber is? Is it some lost sealing technique? I am afraid to reinstall caps and catch that junk in the surface.

its been a long time since i had my model b but i don't remember there being any fiber in the rear main. so maybe someone did that unknowing or else my memory is failing me.

[old ugly]

my dad called seals like that goose turds. some of that stuff used to be available by the roll. still used by the steam power guys. it could be home made.

[Busmoss]

Goose turds! So, it is possible, someone put that stuff in there by mistake? I am thinking two courses of action. 1) dig it out and hope that I get all of it off babbit surface. Or 2) put grease on it and stuff it back beyond the cap/block interface

[Busmoss]

I am going to sleep on this and ponder why someone would pack this rear main slinger. I was incorrect thinking it was a labyrinth oil seal. It seems, any oil that gets past the bearing would travel to the slinger and be flung outwards and drain down the cap tube. This fluffy fiber crammed in there may have been a way to wipe the oil flinger? If it were to come loose it could clog the cap drain tube or end up in the oil pan. Im sure someone on this forum has seen this before and could explain. My guess right now is that it was hot rodder trick.
I have run into a few non orthodox things on this car but they have been explainable.
This forum has been very helpful to me for clarification of things that don’t live in the pages of my manuals. Thank you all!

[verdirick]

This is Rick Jensen 775-527-1419. I've deal with Model B rear main bearing leaks for 45 years. Give me a call if I can offer you some advice.

[old ugly]

Busmoss
you are correct if that fiber plugs the oil drain gallery or the drain tube it may cause more unforeseen issues, like maybe a worse oil leak or maybe hinder the oil flow over that rear main bearing.
but let us know once you find out if there is supposed to be a seal in there or not.

[katy]

Is there anything in the "slinger groove" in the cap?

I'd be tempted to go w/your #2 "put grease on it and stuff it back beyond the cap/block interface"

[Bob C]

My guess is that someone put that crap in there to try and stop a rear main leak.
I'd get it out of there.

[Busmoss]

Thank you all this far! I will call Mr. Jensen when it’s not so early in Nevada. So kind to offer a chat.
Katy,
I am blind to what is in the cap but will get after it with an inspection mirror today and update. I did however not feel anything in the groove yesterday.

I am gladly challenged by this hobby! I also appreciate this forum’s helpful community.

[Busmoss]

Originally Posted by katy

Is there anything in the "slinger groove" in the cap?

I'd be tempted to go w/your #2 "put grease on it and stuff it back beyond the cap/block interface"

Oh yeah! Some has fallen down in the groove. This is definitely responsible for that squishy feeling!
Here is a close up of some that has fallen out.

[J Franklin]

Oakum? Maybe a plumber owned the car at sometime?

[Busmoss]

Update: I got a tip from Rick Jensen (very nice) that I might have luck rotating the cap 180 inside the bellhousing then finagling it through space. Or make room in the bell housing to clear.
My plan of attack is to try and remove all traces of fibers. Restoring the oil slinger to normal operation. I now believe someone crammed that in there in attempt to stop a leak. Thanks Bob C! Once I fish the cap out I will check flatness as this could have been the root of the leak to begin with. If I feel like this can all be done confidently with engine in the car I will give it a go!
Please wish me luck

[Busmoss]

Big ol goose. That was blocking the cap. Thanks everyone for the help. Never know what we could run into. I think I am back to normal troubles now.