The Ford Barn

tomkc1 · 04-08-2012, 05:28 AM

The rear main seal in my original 1934 Ford leaks pretty good. I had a dear friend who was my mechanic(and who passed away a number of years ago) and he told me he didn't want to get involved in fixing it. He was older at the time so I think that is why he didn't want to fix it.

My question is: Just how much work is involved in replacing the main rear seal? Is it something that requires special knowledge? Could any good mechanic fix it?

Thanks for any advice.

Tom

Ken/Alabama · 04-08-2012, 05:41 AM

If its indeed a 34 engine it doesnt have a seal, just a slinger . If the leaking is caused by having too much clearance in the rear main bearing the repair is going to be really involved being it has poured babbit bearings not inserts.

tomkc1 · 04-08-2012, 10:28 AM

Thanks, Ken. It is the original engine, no doubt. Is that why my friend didn't want to do the job?

I don't suppose there is any easy way to figure out why its leaking, is there?

David J · 04-08-2012, 10:33 AM

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If it is not a loose rear main you probably have a restriction in the drain pipe or it is screwed in too far . If you screw these in too far they act as a dam & will cause a leak . 5 turns is what I give them . If you aren't running this pipe the drain hole it goes in may be plugged some . Does your motor have much blowby ? If yes & if you are not running the drain pipe you are asking for a leak . Funny thing - the model A folks know how important this pipe is but V-8 folks have opinions all over the board on this . I ALWAYS use one - even if using later pumps so you have to put a copper extension on it .The cover over the oil pump drive gear can also leak & this will seem like a rear main leak .

04-08-2012, 05:28 AM	#1
tomkc1 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: York, ME/Astor, FL Posts: 140	1934 Ford Rear Main Seal ? The rear main seal in my original 1934 Ford leaks pretty good. I had a dear friend who was my mechanic(and who passed away a number of years ago) and he told me he didn't want to get involved in fixing it. He was older at the time so I think that is why he didn't want to fix it. My question is: Just how much work is involved in replacing the main rear seal? Is it something that requires special knowledge? Could any good mechanic fix it? Thanks for any advice. Tom

04-08-2012, 05:41 AM	#2
Ken/Alabama Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,257	Re: 1934 Ford Rear Main Seal ? If its indeed a 34 engine it doesnt have a seal, just a slinger . If the leaking is caused by having too much clearance in the rear main bearing the repair is going to be really involved being it has poured babbit bearings not inserts.

04-08-2012, 10:28 AM	#3
tomkc1 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: York, ME/Astor, FL Posts: 140	Re: 1934 Ford Rear Main Seal ? Thanks, Ken. It is the original engine, no doubt. Is that why my friend didn't want to do the job? I don't suppose there is any easy way to figure out why its leaking, is there?

04-08-2012, 10:33 AM	#4
David J Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: St Croix Falls WI Posts: 2,080	Re: 1934 Ford Rear Main Seal ? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) If it is not a loose rear main you probably have a restriction in the drain pipe or it is screwed in too far . If you screw these in too far they act as a dam & will cause a leak . 5 turns is what I give them . If you aren't running this pipe the drain hole it goes in may be plugged some . Does your motor have much blowby ? If yes & if you are not running the drain pipe you are asking for a leak . Funny thing - the model A folks know how important this pipe is but V-8 folks have opinions all over the board on this . I ALWAYS use one - even if using later pumps so you have to put a copper extension on it .The cover over the oil pump drive gear can also leak & this will seem like a rear main leak .