Crankshaft rear main oil seal grooves

[gfridland]

Can anyone point me in the right direction to find a photo and more information regarding the directional grooves which direct oil back into the engine as the crank rotates at the rear seal. I am having a problem with oil seepage, very minor, from between the blockplate and the block. The seal was replaced once before, but began leaking again in the same manner after very short time. Definately coming from the rear seal. There do not appear to be any grooce in the journal. But never have seen them in the past, I just want to understand what I am looking for. A good picture would really help.

Thanks,

Gene

[FFR428]

Sorry no pics but with the crank standing on the flange end the oil grooves should go this ////////// direction. What crank do you have? G.

[FFR428]

Sorry just re read your post..no grooves. Perhaps it is a 427 marine reverse rotation crank. You can smooth the grooves to use it in a standard rotation engine. There are two reverse rotation cranks. The C5JE-B and C6JE-D. G.

[gfridland]

Thanks G, that is what I am trying to figure out, will have to check the casting numbers. What would be the best way to seal the crank w/out the grooves? Are there double lip seals? something different?

The crazy thing is that the leak is so small that I can probably just live with it, but what fun would it be not to have an on-going project...


Gene

[Bruce Edwards]

Are you sure it is the rear seal and not the rear cap? You should put a small bit of sealer on the cap, not the ends of the seal, before you install it.

[427 S/O]

Compare your crank with a known standard, you will absolutely need the knurled groves to direct the oil back to the engine. Should it be a marine crank, a 'good' machine shop can reverse the knurling.

[gfridland]

Do all engines have a knurled (grooved) journal at the rear seal? If not, how do they seal properly? I am just trying to figure out if there is a less compex fix than pulling the crank to send out for machining.

Gene

[FFR428]

Yes they do. And as 427 s/o stated this directs the oil back to the engine. I've seen some run the rev marine cranks with the grooves smoothed but it can leak a little. So it's what you can live with I guess. G.

[FFR428]

Hey where are you in westport? I'm in fairfield. Let me know if you need help. G.

[gfridland]

G, I didn't even notice your location. I am just off of rt. 1 by Sakura. Pretty close to Fairfield. Hopefully we can get together sometime soon. How far are you with your build?

G

[FFR428]

G, I'm right off exit 23 on I95. If I can just stop changing my mind on what I'm building I'd be done! :-) Not too far yet but have stockpiled parts over the last year to finish soon. Work keeps me busy and it's hard to find time to build these days. I'd love to see your car and offer any help you might need. G.

[gfridland]

A follow up: The only numbers visible on the crank are "2U". Can anything be derived from that?

Gene

[FFR428]

G, the 2U crank is a 66-73 390 truck crank. It's a good HD crankshaft. Same stroke as the 427 3.784. G.

[gfridland]

So, based on the fact that it is a truck crank and originally used in the correct rotation motor, what would be a possible reason for grinding down the seal part of the journal? Can they wear out where the seal was riding?

[FFR428]

G, perhaps you can contact the prevoius owner to shed some lght on the crank situation. Take a good look to be sure the oil slots are not there. If they are gone someting must have happened for them to turn the crank down. Perhaps it's still not right but it's hard to check with it still in the engine. I have a .010/.010 2U crank if you need one but I hope things are not that drastic. G.