There is also a filter screen in the breather can near the fuel pump.

Great help, thanks again.  I also ordered a hard copy of the Y block book.  It's awesome to have an active forum with knowledgeable members dedicated to Y block!

56 Country Sedan
Carlisle, PA

DSmoke.  I think you'll find the Ford Shop Repair Manual to be invaluable.

The Y-Blocks Forever Forum Archive of previous threads on different topics is amazing.  While the Ford Shop Manual is excellent, sometimes additional or updated information from the school of hard knocks can help greatly.

One of the things pointed out numerous times is that there are other things to check in the rear areas of a y-block that may be the source of an oil leak other than the rear seal.  Too, if it is the rear seal, there are some things to pay attention to that were not covered in enough detail in the period Ford publication.

Clicking the link below for a look back on others shared information on rear seal undertakings.  As you read through the thread I've pointed you to, consider reading the links that others have posted to be read.  -Be sure to read the entire page that opens for you, not just my contribution.
http://forums.y-blocksforever.com/Topic114021.aspx#bm114031

Hope this helps.  


NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

Thanks NoShortcuts, the first thing I did was buy a shop manual and I just made the change regarding the torque spec in it, and I bookmarked the site above.  I'm like you and prefer the hard copy I can take in the garage with me and get dirty, plus it's so much easier to bounce around to different pages.  I have a few house projects to do then I am going to take care of the minor motor service.  I'm pretty sure the rear main seal is leaking so a rebuild in inevitable, but I don't have the time or garage space for that now.

56 Country Sedan
Carlisle, PA

DSmoke.  I recommend your acquiring a '56 Ford Shop Repair Manual.  Amazon and eBay are two Internet sources for these.  In addition to original copies, there may be reprints available as well.  While CDs are available, I'm old-school and prefer a hard copy to dig through.  Prices are all over the place on such things.  Click the link below to see one currently advertised on eBay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1956-FORD-CAR-SHOP-REPAIR-MANUAL-ORIGINAL-/311673196780?hash=item48912b90ec:g:OhUAAOSwnDZUFNTX&vxp=mtr

IMPORTANT:  The '56 Ford service manual lists the 312 engine's main cap torque spec as 120-130 ft. lbs.  This is WRONG.  Don't use that figure.  Use the 292 engine torque spec of 95-105.

Tim McMaster's torque chart is helpful as is his web site.  Click the link below.
http://yblockguy.com/techtips/yblocktorquetable.html

Hope this helps.    


NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

The carb is a Holley 4000, commonly known as a teapot.  It's good carb but needs someone who really knows them  to overhaul.

The air filter is probably a oil bath (Ford changed to paper filters in 1957).  Service instructions should be in the shop manual.

I am not familiar with the sedan chokes, but I assume it's an automatic choke.  Again, instructions  on these should be in the shop manual. 


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

Oil bath is a good filter in my opinion. It can be washed out with a solvent of your choice, a little fresh oil and you are good to go. Messy comes with the territory. 

Thanks for mentioning that, I was thinking of getting a new air filter, the oil bath is quite messy.  I was going to research that here tonight.  Is there a preference among the group for the air filter?

I really appreciate all the prompt replies and help!

56 Country Sedan
Carlisle, PA

Don't try to clean the old filter, buy the new one,. Autolite 45 will be fine, gap at .035. A new air filter may be helpful too.

That filter should be available through a local auto parts store.



Lawrenceville, GA