so, getting started on a customer's 312, and am using the neopreme seal for the obvious reason, but was thinking instead of installing this flush with the block, to offset it 1/8" or so,and do likewise with the top half. thinking this might eliminate another potential leak area. anyone ever done this,or have any thoughts about this?

I do that on all my FE motors and they seal up great.

Definitely

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

someone put up Ted's link to show how its done..



"Came too close to dying to stop living now!"

Would also like to see exactly what is being described. Will be installing one of these soon.

Offsetting the neoprene seal ends in their grooves simply insures that the seal ends are actually butted up to each other.  If not offset, then the rear main cap (FE) or the seal housing (YBlk) can be mismatched just enough that the seal ends are not aligned with each other.  Here’s the link to the comprehensive seal installation instructions.

http://www.eatonbalancing.com/blog/2008/09/10/neoprene-rear-seal-installation-for-the-y-and-others/ 

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Thanks for the link. Makes perfect sense. A picture is worth a thousand words.