The Ford Barn

Ken Crans · 05-28-2017, 03:03 PM

Having a hard time getting the original spiral groove spacer off and the new solid spacer is loose. Does the solid spacer compress when the front pulley is mounted? other wise it would spin on the crank.

tubman · 05-28-2017, 03:27 PM

I bought the replacement 1 piece seal from Speedway several years ago. When I looked at it in comparison to the recesses in the timing cover and pan, it just didn't look right. I think the solution was to use lots of RTV. I decided to go with a regular rope seal and I'm glad I did, because it has not leaked ANY in the last two years. There was a gauge for cutting the seal properly "proud", a special knife, and instructions I followed to a "T" in the seal kit I had.

That being said, I think I have heard the the seals currently available from some sources are a much better fit and don't need as much sealant, if any. Perhaps someone else had had experience with the later seal and will chime in here.

Also, I have also wondered why the sleeve needs to be replaced. The spiral pulls oil into the engine and should function the same no matter what seal is being used.

Andy · 05-28-2017, 05:15 PM

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You can't pull the front cover without pulling the pan with the one piece seal. I pull the cover to set the valves. I have to rotate the cam to make an adjustment then rotate it to check the clearance. It is easier to do without turning the crank. I have no leaks with the rope. What is the advantage to the one piece?

05-28-2017, 03:03 PM	#1
Ken Crans Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Highland,MI Posts: 1,196	One piece modern Front seal Vs. Rope seal 8BA Having a hard time getting the original spiral groove spacer off and the new solid spacer is loose. Does the solid spacer compress when the front pulley is mounted? other wise it would spin on the crank.

05-28-2017, 03:27 PM	#2
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,319	Re: One piece modern Front seal Vs. Rope seal 8BA I bought the replacement 1 piece seal from Speedway several years ago. When I looked at it in comparison to the recesses in the timing cover and pan, it just didn't look right. I think the solution was to use lots of RTV. I decided to go with a regular rope seal and I'm glad I did, because it has not leaked ANY in the last two years. There was a gauge for cutting the seal properly "proud", a special knife, and instructions I followed to a "T" in the seal kit I had. That being said, I think I have heard the the seals currently available from some sources are a much better fit and don't need as much sealant, if any. Perhaps someone else had had experience with the later seal and will chime in here. Also, I have also wondered why the sleeve needs to be replaced. The spiral pulls oil into the engine and should function the same no matter what seal is being used.

05-28-2017, 05:15 PM	#3
Andy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kerrville, Tx Posts: 2,771	Re: One piece modern Front seal Vs. Rope seal 8BA Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) You can't pull the front cover without pulling the pan with the one piece seal. I pull the cover to set the valves. I have to rotate the cam to make an adjustment then rotate it to check the clearance. It is easier to do without turning the crank. I have no leaks with the rope. What is the advantage to the one piece?