The Ford Barn

nebrfox · 08-10-2017, 11:19 PM

Does anyone make a better front and rear main seal for the 40 flathead than the old rope seals? Changed mine twice and still have leaks or am I doing something wrong. I put silicone on the ends when installing the pan. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

flatheadmurre · 08-11-2017, 12:26 AM

They usually work just fine...
If the surface on the crank is ok and you put some grease on it to prevent a dry start it should work.

Lawrie · 08-11-2017, 01:49 AM

My 33 just did 7000klms with those rope seals in,not a drop.
Lawrie

Brian · 08-11-2017, 03:18 AM

In my opinion, the seals sold by 'Best' are indeed the best

tubman · 08-11-2017, 10:12 AM

I put new rope seals in my '51 Merc engine before I installed it. I think mine were "Fel-Pro". Anyway, they came in a "kit" that contained a razor knife and a trimming guide. I was careful when I installed them, followed the instructions, and I have no leaks. Now, if I had been as careful and installed a new drain plug gasket, I'd be in "Fat City". I'll do it during my next oil change.

The guy at the machine shop who did the major work on my 258 incher installed a one-piece neoprene seal. I am in the process of getting the engine up and running, and it will be interesting to see how that works out. I had one for the Merc, and decided not to use it when I saw how "sloppy" it fit in the seal cavity. Mine was from "Speedway"; I don't know where he got his, but he claimed it was "better".

drolston · 08-11-2017, 11:52 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Used the Offenhauser one piece seal on the front of my rebuild. Less than 1000 miles on it, but no leaks yet.

08-10-2017, 11:19 PM	#1
nebrfox Junior Member Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 13	Main seals: Does anyone make a better front and rear main seal for the 40 flathead than the old rope seals? Changed mine twice and still have leaks or am I doing something wrong. I put silicone on the ends when installing the pan. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

08-11-2017, 12:26 AM	#2
flatheadmurre Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Sweden Posts: 3,045	Re: Main seals: They usually work just fine... If the surface on the crank is ok and you put some grease on it to prevent a dry start it should work.

08-11-2017, 01:49 AM	#3
Lawrie Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Qld, Australia Posts: 4,216	Re: Main seals: My 33 just did 7000klms with those rope seals in,not a drop. Lawrie

08-11-2017, 03:18 AM	#4
Brian Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Masterton, New Zealand Posts: 3,834	Re: Main seals: In my opinion, the seals sold by 'Best' are indeed the best __________________ Unfortunately, two half wits don't make a whole wit!

08-11-2017, 10:12 AM	#5
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,319	Re: Main seals: I put new rope seals in my '51 Merc engine before I installed it. I think mine were "Fel-Pro". Anyway, they came in a "kit" that contained a razor knife and a trimming guide. I was careful when I installed them, followed the instructions, and I have no leaks. Now, if I had been as careful and installed a new drain plug gasket, I'd be in "Fat City". I'll do it during my next oil change. The guy at the machine shop who did the major work on my 258 incher installed a one-piece neoprene seal. I am in the process of getting the engine up and running, and it will be interesting to see how that works out. I had one for the Merc, and decided not to use it when I saw how "sloppy" it fit in the seal cavity. Mine was from "Speedway"; I don't know where he got his, but he claimed it was "better".

08-11-2017, 11:52 AM	#6
drolston Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 1,627	Re: Main seals: Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Used the Offenhauser one piece seal on the front of my rebuild. Less than 1000 miles on it, but no leaks yet.