Rear main oil seal?

[steves66]

When I bought my stroker kit from 440 source I also bought a gasket kit from them. The gasket kit didn't include the two seals that go on the sides of the rear main seal retainer. I called them to ask why and he said that the gasket company discontinued them for some reason. He told me that most people didn't use them anyway, they just use black silicon. Have any of you ever done this with success? I have always used the seal.

[Chryco Psycho]

I use the seals

[firefighter3931]

  Allthough i've heard of people using just silicone with positive results. The last engine i assembled ths past summer had the side seals installed....they came with the engine kit.

Ron

[max]

i would never build one with out the seals. it just isn't worth the extra savings and worry of not having the seals.

[COKE]

Almost all the main seal packages  cames with the retainer side seals and the tool for install it.
However,i would suggest to use the Macini racing(Indy) billet retainer.It uses "o" cord in the sides,and seals better than silicone or the stock side seals.

[Headrope]

Ran into a similar problem with my 383 before dropping it into the '66. Went to the local Autozone and was able to buy a rear seal for a couple of bucks - the seal came with the two strip gasket thingys.
The gasket kit did not.

[myk]

Slicone instead of actual seals?  Whatever...

[RD]

Slicone instead of actual seals?  Whatever...

so you are saying you disagree or you do not think seals should be used at all.  please dont leave us hanging!

[Chryco Psycho]

I disagree , I would get a seal kit with the side seals

[steves66]

I had to buy the whole seal kit just for the two side seals. The instructions said to soak the seals in mineral spirits then when the engine heats up to normal the seals will expand!

[RD]

I had to buy the whole seal kit just for the two side seals. The instructions said to soak the seals in mineral spirits then when the engine heats up to normal the seals will expand!

yep that is the deal.  15 min in mineral spirits (if my memory is correct) then install into main seal retainer.  Please dont ask me about the science of it all, because I do not know.  Has to be something with expansion rates or sumpin.  neil should know though.

[steves66]

yep that is the deal.  15 min in mineral spirits (if my memory is correct) then install into main seal retainer.  Please dont ask me about the science of it all, because I do not know.  Has to be something with expansion rates or sumpin.  neil should know though.

Should a thin coat of silicon sealer still be used on both sides?

[RD]

yep that is the deal.  15 min in mineral spirits (if my memory is correct) then install into main seal retainer.  Please dont ask me about the science of it all, because I do not know.  Has to be something with expansion rates or sumpin.  neil should know though.

Should a thin coat of silicon sealer still be used on both sides?

some individuals will do that.  personally I have not done it, but I dont believe it will hurt at all.

[myk]

Slicone instead of actual seals?  Whatever...

so you are saying you disagree or you do not think seals should be used at all.  please dont leave us hanging!

Seals...