I had a rear main fail soon after building the motor-
I hadn't soaked the rope long enough, and it
chewed itself to death against the crank- bits
of rope everywhere, and a big gap in the 5th cap.
I too would be really surprised if it just gave out-
they slowly get worse over time, but the nature
of that seal is that it really can't just die on you.
Check everything else first!
Good luck.
Toby
-------------- Original message ----------------------
From: "David R. Conrad" <konadave1@hawaii.rr.com>
> On Wednesday, January 10, 2007, at 06:08 PM, Paul Bauman wrote:
>
> > ...a trail of oil running thought the parking lot and
> > ending in my parking space. I have a 1600, so you probably know where
> > this
> > is going --- the rear crank seal blew and the beast was bleeding 40
> > weight
> > like a stuck pig.
>
> Paul, I certainly have empathy. But, I'm a bit mystified...
>
> If we are talking about the rear main crankshaft seal, I haven't
> experienced (or heard of) one failing in the manner you're describing.
> I (partially) replaced mine in 1989, but didn't do the top half of the
> rope seal because I had a time constraint and feared that I wouldn't be
> able to get the top back in if I removed the existing. What I did do,
> the bottom, and the side seals, did largely eliminate leaks at that
> time. Now though, 17 years later, I'm having to use a drip pan under
> the Datsun in my garage. :-(
>
> The type of gross leak you're describing suggests something other than
> the rear main seal. Since yours is pre '68, it can't be the oil
> pressure sensing line, but I cannot envision another potential source.
>
> I'll follow what you find with interest; hopefully, it is NOT the rear
> main, requiring engine removal.
>
> Good luck!
>
> Dave
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