Last winter I rebuilt my 396, including replaement of the 'cord' rear main oil seal with a teflon two-piece one. The fit seemed fine. Now, I get a regular leak from the seal, particularly after I use the car. What can I do? Do I have to remove the engine to make the repair? Suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Most likely, yes, the engine will have to come out. If a Chevelle has one drawback, it's not being able to drop the oil pan with the engine in the frame, without a mighty struggle that is. When you install the new seal, here are a couple of things to look out for. The seal can only face one way. The open side of the chevron must face the crankcase. Also, you need to stagger the seal so the mating surfaces of the two halves are not directly aligned with the mating surfaces of the main cap and block. Use sealer on the ends of the seal halves, but not so much that it will ooze onto the face of the seal.

[This message has been edited by Randy Mosier (edited 10-24-2002).]

Everything Randy says, plus I've also seen many put a small amount of sealer on the face of the main cap where it touches the at the 'sides'. The excess will squeze out anyway, but it seems to work.

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Dave Bradley
www.corvetteforum.net/classics/d1_bradley (http://www.temp.corvetteforum.net/classics/d1_bradley)
'69 SS396 ragtop
'33 3W Coupe
'65 Vette BB Roadster