ClumsyNinja Posted November 13, 2021 Report Share Posted November 13, 2021 Hello all. Im new here and just picked up a 52 Cranbrook. I have never owned anything like this before, mostly working on newer cars and motorcycles. I look forward to learning and working on this car with my son. It actually runs pretty good right now. Just needs some tinkering. After getting it and driving some, it started leaving lovely little puddles of oil. Putting it up on my friends lift leads me right to the rear main seal. After looking in the service manual and trying to research in the forums and Youtube, I cannot find the answer to if this is a job that can be done without removing the engine. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sniper Posted November 13, 2021 Report Share Posted November 13, 2021 Yes, but you will be pulling the transmission most likely. It really depends on what engine you actually have, there are at least three different rear main seals that I know of. https://bestgasket.com/rear-main-seals/#chrysler Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClumsyNinja Posted November 13, 2021 Author Report Share Posted November 13, 2021 So you don't know which seal you have until you pull it and look? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sniper Posted November 13, 2021 Report Share Posted November 13, 2021 It's more like year based, but it's been a long time since yours was built and it may not be the original engine. See attached for more info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClumsyNinja Posted November 13, 2021 Author Report Share Posted November 13, 2021 I’m not sure what I’m looking at in those attachments. I’m 99% sure it’s the original engine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sniper Posted November 13, 2021 Report Share Posted November 13, 2021 What is the engine number? That will tell you what engine you have. Then you can look at the part listing I posted to see what it should use for a rear main seal. But if you do indeed have the original engine the part number is 996350. Which is also Felpro BS 3141. You will have to pull the flywheel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlozier76 Posted February 21, 2022 Report Share Posted February 21, 2022 I've been looking, but have yet to find a concise answer to the rear main seal being dry or wet on install. I have a 48 engine that I am in the process of finally getting back together and it has a felt, or rope rear main seal. Do I need to soak it in 30w oil before install or install dry? Searches on the main internet are giving both ways, and my manual doesn't seem to shed light on it either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sniper Posted February 21, 2022 Report Share Posted February 21, 2022 The manual doesn't generally tell what not to do, but rather what should be done. Though there are exceptions and generally those are in the nature of "if you do this (or don't do this) bad things will happen". For example the 53 and newer Plymouth engines use a rubber rear main seal and the manual is clear about putting grease on the contacting lip. In both the manual and the training filmstrip it is discussed. However, the same manual int he very next paragraph makes no mention about putting anything on the rope type seals, can't find a training filmstrip for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sniper Posted February 24, 2022 Report Share Posted February 24, 2022 Dug around, found these instruction from FelPro. If you want to download the PDF, CLICK HERE STEP 1 Remove oil pan, oil pump (if necessary) and rear main cap. Remove the old rope material from the RMB cap and engine block. Clean the crankshaft area and inspect for any damage or worn surfaces. STEP 2 Do not soak the rope seal in oil or any liquid. Hand fit the rope in the groove of the block and rear main bearing cap. Special tools are available to compress and pack in the rope. You can also use a socket on the rope material to roll it into place. STEP 3 Trim the rope so it’s flush with the rear main cap and block. STEP 4 Apply a tiny dab (1/8” or smaller) of RTV to the RMB cap rope seal ends. Apply manufacturer’s recommended sealer to the rear main cap. STEP 5 Torque the RMB cap to manufacturer specifications. STEP 6 Install Fel-Pro gaskets when reassembling the lower engine to complete the job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Posted April 28, 2022 Report Share Posted April 28, 2022 Some good info here also 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burtbaccarat Posted May 29, 2022 Report Share Posted May 29, 2022 On a 53 they are rubber oem, correct? I’m about to pull my pan and change it as well, I’ve read it’s not a total nightmare to change them while everything is still in the car if the pan is off, of course… Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris 48 P15 Posted June 10, 2022 Report Share Posted June 10, 2022 i did this job on a 1948 plymouth 218 flat six. i had to remove oil pan, last main cap, and flywheel which means trans removal flywheel has to come off to reach the top on half of oil seal the seal i used was a new design nylon, a rope seal came of the car there are a couple of threads about this no leaks yet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.