Front main replace while motor is in car
 

hey guys can anyone tell me if it is very hard to replace the upper front main seal/rope while motor is in the car and if I need any special tool? It appears there is a special tool to do the rear main while in the car but I see nothing for the front main?
I have a 1947 Ford Flathead 6 "226" H motor
Thanks

Re: Front main replace while motor is in car
 

On the V8 engine, the seal is in the timing gear cover. If the 6 is the same, just remove the timing gear cover and replace the rope seal. No big deal.

Re: Front main replace while motor is in car
 

Bill, I'm not familiar with the modern one piece seal and how it works, but for the original rope seals, the timing gear cover has the top half, the bottom half is in the crank case.

Re: Front main replace while motor is in car
 

The previous posts are spot on.
In regard to your comment about the rear seal: The rear seal "special tool" is helpful but even with it (the tool) replacing that seal with the crank shaft in place is somewhat of a nightmare.

Re: Front main replace while motor is in car
 

Weren't those nightmare tools called SNEAKY-PETE? DD

Re: Front main replace while motor is in car
 

I don't recall what their nick name was. Used them (too often) on Chevy engines when I had my service garage back in the 70's to 80's. Worked "okay" at best. I suppose by the time the job was done, it was more cost effective than dropping the crank.

Re: Front main replace while motor is in car
 

Also called Chinese hand cuffs,never had much luck with them,last used it on a 62 Olds,lotsa work,poor results.Ended replacing it with a modern seal from Best Gasket no problems since.

Re: Front main replace while motor is in car
 

Thank you fellas. I appreciate the replys.