H-226 6cyl Leaking Oil

[Smitty]

Anyone had issues with the 226 engine leaking oil around the rear seal? Engine in 50 Ford Tudor.
Had the motor out 3 times, mains up to spec, replaced pan gasket and rear seal. Still leaks

Steve

[supereal]

Be sure that the crankcase ventilation is clear.

[tubman]

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If the 6 is anything like the V8, the rear seal is tough to set up. The Fel-Pro gasket set that I used on my latest engine came with a special razor knife, a cutting guide, and a separate sheet of instructions for installing the rear main seal. I followed the instructions to a "T" and was rewarded with a seal that didn't leak. The one thing I did notice is that with the supplied guide, the ends of the seal ended up being a little more "proud" of the surface than I would have done unaided.

Alas, they seem to be delicate as well, as this was the engine I decided to experiment on and installed a Speedway Motors oil pump. The pump provided sub-standard oil pressure, so I pulled the pan and replaced it with a tested Ford pump (which solved the pressure problem). Careful as I was, the rear main seal leaked a slight amount after what I considered to be a careful re-installation. If you have really had the engine in and out 3 times, I would suggest that it is time for a new seal, installed to their strict instructions. It seems that this is one instance where "the first time's the charm".

I believe that "superreal"'s point is also well taken. I have a slight leak in the rear seal of the '51 Merc in my '51 coupe. I am considering installing a PCV system in this car. Doing so changes the crankcase from being under slight pressure to be under a slight vacuum, which may help with the leak. Unfortunately, I can't do this with the new motor, as it is going into a hoodless car and I just had a beautiful chrome job done on the road draft tubes, brackets, and bolts.