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tubman · 06-04-2016, 12:06 PM

I got my '51 Merc engine running, and it seems to be in better shape than I could have hoped; good compression, good oil pressure, no noises, and doesn't overheat. The only problems are a slight oil leak at the front main seal and a larger one at the rear main seal. I went through my extra gasket sets and found some seals. I have both the plain rope seals and graphite-impregnated seals for the front. Any opinions on which would be better to use? I think the graphite ones are newer, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're better. I only have the rope seals for the rear. I have both the teflon-coated and plain seals. Any opinion on which of those is better?

Also, it looks like I can't replace the upper rear main seal without dropping the crankshaft. Given how well this runs, I'd rather not disturb the rotating assembly. I seem to remember back in the day there were long thin spring steel shims that could be pushed in behind the old seal to tighten it up. Is there such a thing, and if so, are they worth using, and where can I get one?

06-04-2016, 12:06 PM	#1
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 11,633	Crankshaft seal questions I got my '51 Merc engine running, and it seems to be in better shape than I could have hoped; good compression, good oil pressure, no noises, and doesn't overheat. The only problems are a slight oil leak at the front main seal and a larger one at the rear main seal. I went through my extra gasket sets and found some seals. I have both the plain rope seals and graphite-impregnated seals for the front. Any opinions on which would be better to use? I think the graphite ones are newer, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're better. I only have the rope seals for the rear. I have both the teflon-coated and plain seals. Any opinion on which of those is better? Also, it looks like I can't replace the upper rear main seal without dropping the crankshaft. Given how well this runs, I'd rather not disturb the rotating assembly. I seem to remember back in the day there were long thin spring steel shims that could be pushed in behind the old seal to tighten it up. Is there such a thing, and if so, are they worth using, and where can I get one?