• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

440 Rear Main Seal and Side Seals

robl72

robl72

Well-Known Member
Local time
6:14 AM
Joined
Feb 1, 2014
Messages
168
Reaction score
43
Location
RI
Can you change the Sides Seals on the rear main cap without changing the rear main seal. If so what are the steps and what are the best seals to buy. Changed my oil pan gaskets several times and leaks will not stop on the rear pan edge. All dry behind the crank. Believe it is the side seals.
 
Of course you could reuse the main seals, but is it worth it for the few $$ saved if it leaks from there when you're done?

I didn't fit side seals but filled the cavity with RTV as per Felpro instructions, and no leaks...
 
Did the same as above, make sure you read the instruction because it's kinda weird. Fill will provided RTV and install a wet wick????? I think it aids in the curing of the RTV?
 
Ok thanks. Not worried about spending the money on the rear seal. Just didn't want to go through the extra steps/hassle of replacing it too. The side seals you described is what is on there now. Any reason it should be leaking?
 
747mopar said:
Did the same as above, make sure you read the instruction because it's kinda weird. Fill will provided RTV and install a wet wick????? I think it aids in the curing of the RTV?
Click to expand...
747 what is a wet wick and where do you buy it?is this a felpro rear seal kit you are talking about? thanks
 
Other than maybe just not cleaned or filling well enough the first time I'd look into whether or not the crankcase is properly vented.
 
Wet wicking side seals. Soak them in carosine before installation expands the seal and makes a tight fit. Factory manual rear main seal installation covers this. Some instead of using the wick seal fill the seal cavity with silicone instead. I use the wick seals and also silicone the joint at block and rear main seal inside the block.
 
747 how do you determine if the crankcase is venting enough and if it is not how do you fix the issue? You could be onto something as I have been fixing oil leaks in the valve covers, fuel pump and oil pan since the engines rebuild. This oil pan one is the only one I have not been able to fix so that is why I believe it is the side seals.
 
"Wet wick" refers to two little wicks that are supplied in the Felpro rear seal kit. The idea is you fill the cavity where the old style side seals would go with the supplied black RTV, then you insert a wick that was dampened with water into the freshly squeezed in RTV. This is to ensure the RTV cures perfectly as it is reliant on the absorption of moisture from the air...
 
383-440 rear main side seal.jpg

Mineral spirits and diesel fuel also burn. Have used kerosene for years with no leakage problems.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

C
RMS retainer question
Replies
1
Views
389
beanhead
beanhead
M
1967 GTX 440 rear main leaking
Replies
10
Views
2K
lewtot184
lewtot184
boboh1
First Time Changing Rear Main Seal
2
Replies
21
Views
2K
MWbirdLOVER70
MWbirdLOVER70
streetstrip_ch
Rear main seal retainer
Replies
5
Views
2K
streetstrip_ch
streetstrip_ch
Sinitro
  • Locked
SOLD MOPAR BIG BLOCK HUGHES REAR MAIN OIL SEAL RETAINER KIT WITH BOLTS
Replies
2
Views
990
Sinitro
Sinitro
Auto Transport Service
Back
Top