rear seal problems

[51 Dodge]

I'm rebuilding my first Buick 350, the rear seal, which is a rope, binds up the crankshaft when the caps are torqued down. It was installed correctly and I figured it would loosen up eventually, but now that I have all the pistons and connecting rods attached it takes a mountain of force to turn the crank. Is this a problem? The starter is going to have a hell of a time getting it started the first time.

Jeff

[Bill Stoneberg]

Jeff,

If you do some searching you can find a neoprene seal for that car. That would be the way I would go if it was my engine.I dont like the rope seals.

My catalogs for the newer Buicks are at work right now, but I will look later and see and get you a part number.

[JohnD1956]

If you know the seal is correctly installed, check the bearing. I only did this once in a 65 nailhead engine, so I could be wrong, but I would not think any binding is acceptable. Plus that seal has nothing to bind against. It just sits in place in it's groove, so maybe the bearing is in upside down?

[pphil]

i got the same problem (or concern)

rebuilding a 425 nailhead the rear seal

is a rope seal and it seams to make everything

real tight.i know my bearings are in right.

is this normal or not?

scott

1964 wildcat 425 2-4bbls 4-speed

(going back together finally )

[Bill Stoneberg]

Poston, in Alabamba (1 800 635-9781) have the neoprene seals for the rear main seals for most Buick V8's.

[51 Dodge]

The crank turned nice and smooth until I put the rear seal in. Its definately the seal. I found a website for neoprene Buick seals, I might just try one.

http://www.taperformance.com