Rear Main yet again

66furys

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 25, 2022
Messages
664
Reaction score
238
Location
virginia
My 383 leaks enough so that I would never have to change the oil. So, I got parts, reviewed the different new seal carriers, and have done some study on the problem. My last search brought up some that could not remove the upper rope, no how. Push pull and cuss. So, I realize that if I shanker mech it, I will destroy the upper rope to the point that there is no fix w/o major work. So, I wonder if any have done this, and maybe more than once, and what is the deal. I assume, like everything, that some may stick and some may move. For sure I do not want to cause a major issue for a middlin problem. thanks
 
As I learned the hard way, be certain it is your rear main! Check every other possible spot and maybe add UV dye to the oil to help confirm the exact spot it is leaking.
 
As I learned the hard way, be certain it is your rear main! Check every other possible spot and maybe add UV dye to the oil to help confirm the exact spot it is leaking.
I think at least 3/4 of the leaks blamed on rear seals is something else. The oil pressure sender is often the cause.
 
I don’t believe that anyone has really improved upon the original Mopar rear main seal housing…
 
A lip type seal will never work on a chrysler crankshaft with those fine angle serrations on the seal surface. You have to use a rope type seal. The best one out there is made by best gasket pt#5297. made in the USA. Mancini Racing has them. I have 15 or 20 on customer's cars and they work. Only problem is you have to remove motor and crank to install them. you can change lip seals till the cows come home, ain't gonna work.
 
I have changed rope seals on Mopar big blocks with good results. They sell a tool that grabs the end of the rope that is in the block and pulls it out. When I did them, I loosened the mail bearing bolts to make it easier. I also turned the motor over slowly to help remove the seal. I had someone help me turn over the motor by hand in the same direction I was pulling the seal. Other than laying on my back with the car on jack stands, it was not too bad. You also have to remember to re torque all the bolts when done. I would think that you also did it this way and the rope is still stuck.
 
I just used whatever brand my local parts guy gave me, and he usually gives me the best brand he sells. The last one I did was about 20 years ago, so maybe the quality was better then than now.
 
Back
Top