Rear main seal

[Kory Fox]

My son and I are preparing to pull the motor out of the 48 to replace the rear main and oil pan gasket. As I understand it we’re going to unbolt the main caps to raise the crank enough to replace the rear main. What should they be torqued back to and is it ok to reuse the bolts?

[rrdcorvair]

Yes it is okay to reuse the main bearing bolts.  They should be torqued to 85-95 ft lbs, taken up in stages.

[Kory Fox]

Thank you.

[rrdcorvair]

No problem...I was in a hurry to be the first to reply!

[Thomasso]

Try to acquire some old asbestos seals.  The new asbestos free seals are not good.  You can use a Sneaky Pete to pull the upper seal  thru although it is easier to do if crank bolts are loosened.  As easy as it is to remove these engines thats a good idea for replacement.

[rrdcorvair]

I have some of the Old Stock rope seals.  I don't use them any more as I have switched our cars over to the neoprene style rear seals.  That kit is only good for the later style 226 engine.

[Kory Fox]

I bought a rear main/oil pan gasket kit from willow run parts. Gonna pull the motor cuz we’ve never done this before and don’t want to fight it under the car with the crank in place. Do we still need the sneaky Pete doing it this way. If so, where can I get one.

[Thomasso]

Sneaky Petes are made by Lisle tools and are available on Ebay.  If you can lift the crank a half inch or so the seal can probably be installed.  I've never done it that way.  Good luck.