Early SBC Intake Gaskets

[novadude]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: earntaz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've used various brands of gaskets over the years -- the old Victor gaskets were the cats meow before FelPro came on the market. As far as rear main seals -- it's all in preparation. I have always &quot;dressed&quot; the edge of the main cap and block where they slide into the groove on the seal. You don't want to &quot;shave&quot; and material off the seal during installation. Also, I apply a dab of Hi-Tack to the main parting surface (between cap and block) to prevent oil from seeping between them. Another &quot;trick&quot; is to off-set the seal parting lines -- I've installed them both ways ... doesn't seem to make any difference if seal is installed carefully. If available for your application -- use the one piece pan gasket. This has worked for me on both SBC and BBC engines. TAZ [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] </div></div>

I know all the &quot;tricks&quot; to installing seals, but I think you'll find that I am not the only one who has had issues with the current fel-pro rear main seals, even using all of the proper techniques.

[earntaz]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: novadude</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: earntaz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've used various brands of gaskets over the years -- the old Victor gaskets were the cats meow before FelPro came on the market. As far as rear main seals -- it's all in preparation. I have always &quot;dressed&quot; the edge of the main cap and block where they slide into the groove on the seal. You don't want to &quot;shave&quot; and material off the seal during installation. Also, I apply a dab of Hi-Tack to the main parting surface (between cap and block) to prevent oil from seeping between them. Another &quot;trick&quot; is to off-set the seal parting lines -- I've installed them both ways ... doesn't seem to make any difference if seal is installed carefully. If available for your application -- use the one piece pan gasket. This has worked for me on both SBC and BBC engines. TAZ [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] </div></div>

I know all the &quot;tricks&quot; to installing seals, but I think you'll find that I am not the only one who has had issues with the current fel-pro rear main seals, even using all of the proper techniques. </div></div>

Another issue that may cause this is excessive pressure in the crankcase -- valve cover breathers, etc. not fuctioning as advertised ... but then too, maybe I’ve just been lucky ... TAZ [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif[/img]

[red67]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: earntaz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've used various brands of gaskets over the years -- the old Victor gaskets were the cats meow before FelPro came on the market. As far as rear main seals -- it's all in preparation. I have always &quot;dressed&quot; the edge of the main cap and block where they slide into the groove on the seal. You don't want to &quot;shave&quot; and material off the seal during installation. Also, I apply a dab of Hi-Tack to the main parting surface (between cap and block) to prevent oil from seeping between them. Another &quot;trick&quot; is to off-set the seal parting lines -- I've installed them both ways ... doesn't seem to make any difference if seal is installed carefully. If available for your application -- use the one piece pan gasket. This has worked for me on both SBC and BBC engines. TAZ [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] </div></div>

Thanks Taz. Yes, I really like the old Victor gaskets. I believe they made them for GM as the gasket I show in the photo above has the Victor logo and also a GM logo. Detroit Gasket also made gaskets for GM but since they were bought out, I believe by Cometic, they don't seem to be available readily anymore either.

I completely agree on installation technique. Some of the seals come with very good instructions that specifically outline how to install them and one of the items is making sure that the cap and block do not have sharp edges. The SKF 199 is really tight in the cap and block so this is especially important with this seal. The only seals I have seen that advises offset are the Felpro. The others specifically say not to so this and not to use any sealer on the ends of the seals, just on the block by the seal. The current GM seal has the most detailed instructions. Attention to detail is paramount.

I used the current one piece pan gasket on this engine. Unfortunately the only source is Felpro for the small front pan seal type of pan made before 1974. Other sources have a black gasket but only for the larger pan seal from 1974 on. Not the best for a restoration but what can you do. I've used these gaskets on race engines for a few years now with good success. Another place to watch for leaks is the timing cover where the pan flange is welded on. I've had these leak between the flange and the timing cover. Some are welded very well and others are not. I also built a tool that registers off the end of the crank and dial indicate the balancer seal area to make sure it is square to the crank. Amazing what you find.