55.2-59 1958 283 rear main leak

[qbeanie]

I have a 58 283 block with a rear main seal leak. I have never attempted this type of leak repair. Should I use the pen rope type seal or the two piece rubber seal available for this block (55-58 265/283). Also any tips are appriceated. I should add that the engine is out of the truck and on a stand. Thanks😉

[mr48chev]

Napa doesn't show a rope seal for a 283/ O'Reillys does show a rope seal and or the two piece rubber seal for the 58 283.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/search...rer=plp&page=4
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c...seal+set&pos=0

https://www.oreillyauto.com/shop/b/g...+main+seal+set

It's been so long since I rebuilt the 283 that I had in my 48 that I can't remember what kind of seal was in it or what I put in it.

[_Ogre]

if the motor is on a stand, i'd loosen all the caps to replace it, imo rubber is better than rope
look for a worn or glazed finish, remove the crank and polish the oil seal surface if worn

[mr48chev]

I'm thinking his engine is in the truck and running.

I think I'd put on a shirt that I didn't like, pull the pan and pull the rear main and see what's in there now.

I always loosen the caps on all of the mains so the crank drops a bit making it easier to change the seal. I usually check the main bearings on the engine to see what they look like too.

[_Ogre]

i should add... unless you know the condition of everything else
even if you don't rebuild the heads, rebuild the bottom end: rings, bearings, seals and timing set

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

I'm thinking his engine is in the truck and running.

you would be thinking wrong, seeing as he mentioned:

Originally Posted by qbeanie

I should add that the engine is out of the truck and on a stand.