Is my 273 rear main seal going to leak?

[pbiggs]

I just read a tech talk article that has me wondering if I've made a mistake concerning the rear crank seal when I rebuilt my 273.

The article states the factory rope type seal needs the knurled marks on the rear crank journal to keep the seal oiled and swollen. If a rubber/neoprene seal is used, then the knurls should be removed or the seal will leak.

I used a Felpro rubber seal and there was nothing on the package to indicate the crank should modified before installing the seal. Now I wondering if the seal will leak after a couple of thousand miles.

The engine has not been started, but has been reinstalled so correcting it now is unlikely, but I was just wondering if anybody has run into this.

 

[nm9stheham]

I put a rubber seal in a /6 with the knurls and it is fine. I did use some fine sand paper and rubbed it around and around the knurled area to knock down any sharp edges on the individual knurls just to help.

 

[Rapid Robert]

the odds are VG that you will be fine (as is)

 

[66fs]

...

I used a Felpro rubber seal and there was nothing on the package to indicate the crank should modified before installing the seal. Now I wondering if the seal will leak after a couple of thousand miles.

The engine has not been started, but has been reinstalled so correcting it now is unlikely, but I was just wondering if anybody has run into this.

No, you should be fine. Did it all the time.

 

[Hipo65]

Did thebsame thing on my 65 273. No leaks at all. My 340 was the same way no leaks yer fine providing it was installed correctly.

 

[pbiggs]

I appreciate all the responses. I feel confident the seal was installed correctly, so here's hoping for a leak-free engine. Time and miles will tell the tale.
Thanks

 

[krazykuda]

It should be fine.


I've run the rubber rear main seals for years and put over 200,000 k miles on them...


But eventually will start to leak when it gets high miles on it as the knife edge of the rubber seal starts to wear...