The Ford Barn

lameyer · 04-25-2018, 12:32 AM

I recently got done rebuilding the 239 in my 47, Every thing turned out great except the rear main seal. All the new gasket kits have that "new improved" Teflon seal, even with the little roll pin in the cap, I went through three sets of that stuff. It kept trying to spin. I finally found some "old school" rope packing for it. have not had any problems since, Is this a common problem or was I just being stupid?

Kahuna · 04-25-2018, 10:52 AM

IMO, the rope packing works well.
If installed correctly, it doesn't leak.
Jim

19Fordy · 04-25-2018, 11:41 AM

Don't be a dope. Use the rope. Be sure to install it properly. Some say soak it in oil overnight first. Then install, but don't cut it flush. Leave a little extra. Others may offer better viewpoints. (Just kidding about the "dope" word.)

tubman · 04-25-2018, 11:59 AM

I have done two engines over the last year. I used Fel-Pro gaskets on both of them. The pan gasket set comes with a guide that allows you to trim the rope seal sufficiently "proud". I used it in both cases. On the first engine, I thought I had a slight rear seal leak, but it turned out to be a bad oil drain plug gasket. Both engines are completely dry underneath. The first has a traditional rope front seal, while the second has a one piece seal. The latter was installed by the machine shop who did the assembly of the short block. From the looks of it, they had access to a sleeve and seal I don't seem to be able to find in my catalogs. Neither one has leaked a drop yet.

4t8v8 · 04-25-2018, 12:04 PM

The gasket sets come with two different type seals. The white Teflon and a black seal. After a couple of problems with the Teflon ones I found Fel-Pro's site and they say not to soak the Teflon type before assembly as it will cause the fibers to break down. Coated them with engine assembly lube before installing. No leaks. They don't need to be trimmed on a 8BA.

tubman · 04-25-2018, 12:07 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4t8v8

The gasket sets come with two different type seals. The white Teflon and a black seal. After a couple of problems with the Teflon ones I found Fel-Pro's site and they say not to soak the Teflon type before assembly as it will cause the fibers to break down. Coated them with engine assembly lube before installing. No leaks. They don't need to be trimmed on a 8BA.

I think you may be right about this now; however, my gasket sets were purchased 10 or 15 years ago and needed to be trimmed.

04-25-2018, 12:32 AM	#1
lameyer Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Gillette Wy Posts: 41	Push'n Rope I recently got done rebuilding the 239 in my 47, Every thing turned out great except the rear main seal. All the new gasket kits have that "new improved" Teflon seal, even with the little roll pin in the cap, I went through three sets of that stuff. It kept trying to spin. I finally found some "old school" rope packing for it. have not had any problems since, Is this a common problem or was I just being stupid?

04-25-2018, 10:52 AM	#2
Kahuna Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NorCal Posts: 2,617	Re: Push'n Rope IMO, the rope packing works well. If installed correctly, it doesn't leak. Jim

04-25-2018, 11:41 AM	#3
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 10,944	Re: Push'n Rope Don't be a dope. Use the rope. Be sure to install it properly. Some say soak it in oil overnight first. Then install, but don't cut it flush. Leave a little extra. Others may offer better viewpoints. (Just kidding about the "dope" word.)

04-25-2018, 11:59 AM	#4
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,319	Re: Push'n Rope I have done two engines over the last year. I used Fel-Pro gaskets on both of them. The pan gasket set comes with a guide that allows you to trim the rope seal sufficiently "proud". I used it in both cases. On the first engine, I thought I had a slight rear seal leak, but it turned out to be a bad oil drain plug gasket. Both engines are completely dry underneath. The first has a traditional rope front seal, while the second has a one piece seal. The latter was installed by the machine shop who did the assembly of the short block. From the looks of it, they had access to a sleeve and seal I don't seem to be able to find in my catalogs. Neither one has leaked a drop yet.

04-25-2018, 12:04 PM	#5
4t8v8 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: NW Arkansas Posts: 524	Re: Push'n Rope The gasket sets come with two different type seals. The white Teflon and a black seal. After a couple of problems with the Teflon ones I found Fel-Pro's site and they say not to soak the Teflon type before assembly as it will cause the fibers to break down. Coated them with engine assembly lube before installing. No leaks. They don't need to be trimmed on a 8BA.