What do you guys do when installing 2 piece rear main seals on your BBC? Do you line up the seals mating surfaces with the main cap and block mating surface, or do you rotate the seal about 3/8"? I have done it both ways successfully and just wanted some more opinions on which way provides the most leak free seal?
Thanks Again for your responses!
Craig

i have always lined mine up flush w/ the block and no problems.....but i am no expert! lol

I've always offset mine about 3/8". If you use a sealant you can probably do it any way you want. At least BBC's have a seal, some of the **** I work on has an Archimedes screw for a rear seal.

I've done it both ways dry. Have had problems with having the halves meet at the parting line method. Never had a problem with the 3/8" offset. Directions on the seal package also say to do the 3/8" offset. Am going to do the 3/8" offset and add a dab of silicone on the two engines I am doing now.

Dave

I have always offset them slightly and used a very small dab of silicon on the cap.

Ive done it both ways. It wont leak if you say a motor head prayer when you do it. My Fel Pro seals say parting line only, IN CAPS ?? oh well.

I offset...

Watched a segment on Dream Car yesterday where they were assembling an L88 motor. When they installed the rear seal it was offset. They also put a dab of silicone seal on the mating surfaces where the seal halves meet.

Thanks for the replies. I just installed the seal and rear main cap. I offset the seal the recommended 3/8" and it went together smoothly!!

Curious Wette Vette. What did you end up with for clearance range on the rods and mains? I bought one over bearing due to the crank being somewhat undersized and now I am going to be a little tight. How did you end up fit wise and did you plastigage any at the end?

Dave