rear main cap
 

Will today I took my rear main cap off and it has a chunk broken off where the seal goes. I have the broken piece so that is no problem. Last week the motor over heated and filled the pan with water. Would the broken part cause the water leak.And any suggestion on how to replace the cap? Motor is still in car.:eek:

Re: rear main cap
 

Pix would help a LOT.

Joe K

Re: rear main cap
 

As there are no water jackets near the rear main bearing cap
I think you have 2 different issues

Re: rear main cap
 

I think you've got bigger problems than a cracked cap. Overheating (usually the water goes out the overflow or out around the radiator cap) and filling the pan (I assume you mean the oil pan) doesn't compute.
More info needed and/or pics.
Paul in CT

Re: rear main cap
 

That seal controls oil not water. Sounds like a head gasket issue and cap repair or worse.

Re: rear main cap
 

When I first got my unrestored AA flat bead I thought I'd adjust the bearing clearances, so I removed the rear main cap. As I lowered it down, a piece of babbit, the size of a quarter came out. Not wanting to rebuild the engine at the time, I stuck it back in with some red Locktite and put it back together. I then drove it for another 8 years, expecting it to fall apart at any time, but it never did.

Re: rear main cap
 

I will try to post pictures. Also when I put the head on I only used the spray on copper seal on the gasket and the Head and block.

Re: rear main cap
 

Richard, I also just ran into a problem today when I removed my rear main cap. A portion of the babbitt on the forward thrust surface broke away. I have the piece and it fits perfectly into the area where it broke out of. Thinking of JB welding it back into place as it is captured and held in place anyway when the cap is installed. Good luck with your car and I hope you find a solution.

Mark

Re: rear main cap
 

I'm no expert on old Babbitt, but I had the same problem and went to a full rebuild including new mains.

My .02 is that if it is beginning to go, it will continue to go. I'll stick with the old STP ad - Pay me now, or PAY me later...

Re: rear main cap
 

OK! Thanks everybody. I was thinking (omg) about emailing Bob Barlow in Oregon to see if he could pour me another main baring cap. If I sent the broken one and another good one to use.

Re: rear main cap
 

Bob Barlow works miracles on main caps. A half dozen or so in our club will attest to that.

Re: rear main cap
 

I thought that was his brother Bill?

Re: rear main cap
 

Thank you CarlG I tried calling him so I could better explain what the ploblem is phone was busy.I will try again later. I think it would be better then email.

Re: rear main cap
 

I stand corrected, Bill it is.

BABBITT WORK
1. No known website: Bill Barlow (541) 389-2694 (Oregon) [email protected]

Re: rear main cap
 

My bad I type in Bob instead of Bill. Sorry!