The Ford Barn

Bruce/Texas · 02-10-2011, 08:05 AM

I am getting ready to replace the pan on my 8BA. Is it possible to replace the upper half of the rear main seal without removing the crank? Any tips?

wga · 02-10-2011, 09:47 AM

Yes it is - try using a 'sneaky pete' to pull the new one in. Try pushing / pulling the old one out. When you install the new one, cut the rope seal just proud of the block. Dab some silicone on the ends. No need to cement both sides of the pan gasket. Check the flange on the pan that it is flat.
Replace the front seal with a one piece seal.
There are as many ways to do this as there are those that have done this. I did this 4 years ago and went from a puddle to the Ford part numbered leak.

alanwoodieman · 02-10-2011, 01:38 PM

for those of us that do not know what a sneaky peat is, try looking for a chinese finger grip looking tool, it is made to pull these seals into the engine.

cmbrucew · 02-10-2011, 03:44 PM

Bruce
Use soft string soaked in oil and work it in with a wooden chopstick or similar
tool.
Works good, lasts long time!

rotorwrench · 02-10-2011, 04:20 PM

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It depends on how it was last installed and which composition it is made from. If someone used some permatex or some other sealant on the retainer side you'll likely have to loosen all the main caps to get it to pop loose. If it is stuck hard and made from the white rope material, you'll likely have to pull the crankshaft. If the block side looks like it is still packed against the crankshaft well. You can just replace the pan side and join the ends with sealer like was mentioned earlier. You just have to leave the ends slightly longer so it will pack back in there well as the pan goes on. I've reused those seals on more than one occasion and never had any abnormal leaks.

Kerby

02-10-2011, 08:05 AM	#1
Bruce/Texas Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ft Worth, Texas Posts: 56	Rear Main Seal I am getting ready to replace the pan on my 8BA. Is it possible to replace the upper half of the rear main seal without removing the crank? Any tips?

02-10-2011, 09:47 AM	#2
wga Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorba Linda, CA Posts: 900	Re: Rear Main Seal Yes it is - try using a 'sneaky pete' to pull the new one in. Try pushing / pulling the old one out. When you install the new one, cut the rope seal just proud of the block. Dab some silicone on the ends. No need to cement both sides of the pan gasket. Check the flange on the pan that it is flat. Replace the front seal with a one piece seal. There are as many ways to do this as there are those that have done this. I did this 4 years ago and went from a puddle to the Ford part numbered leak. __________________ Henry Ford designed the flathead without the aid of a computer.

02-10-2011, 01:38 PM	#3
alanwoodieman Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: upstate SC Posts: 2,963	Re: Rear Main Seal for those of us that do not know what a sneaky peat is, try looking for a chinese finger grip looking tool, it is made to pull these seals into the engine.

02-10-2011, 03:44 PM	#4
cmbrucew Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: North of sandy ago, CA. Posts: 2,064	Re: Rear Main Seal Bruce Use soft string soaked in oil and work it in with a wooden chopstick or similar tool. Works good, lasts long time!

02-10-2011, 04:20 PM	#5
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,436	Re: Rear Main Seal Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) It depends on how it was last installed and which composition it is made from. If someone used some permatex or some other sealant on the retainer side you'll likely have to loosen all the main caps to get it to pop loose. If it is stuck hard and made from the white rope material, you'll likely have to pull the crankshaft. If the block side looks like it is still packed against the crankshaft well. You can just replace the pan side and join the ends with sealer like was mentioned earlier. You just have to leave the ends slightly longer so it will pack back in there well as the pan goes on. I've reused those seals on more than one occasion and never had any abnormal leaks. Kerby