Well, hoping to draw on the knowledge out there... I have a 55 Country Sedan wagon w/ 272 and after finally getting it running it appears I have a rear main seal leak. The engine is rebuilt, however its been sitting for 20 years... long story. Just wondering if anyone knows if I can do this seal change with the engine sitting in the car. Saw somewhere that if #1 is on TDC the pan will come out, not much room at crossmember. Front sump pan. Would be obliged for any experiences out there....Thanks,

I would suggest running  the car some more to see if the seal swells up and stops leaking (if it's not leaking real bad).  Also try some stop leak - sometimes it helps.  If both things fail, then change the seal.


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

Not sure what weight oil you're running, but if the stop leak makes you nervous, maybe thicken it up a bit with some heavier oil.

I am not using the rope seal, it's neoprene so I'm not sure if that swelling would happen... using Rotella T and Lucas break in additive. Darn thing has about 70 lbs pressure on cold start. THANKS for the tip sir

Hello  I once had a 272 (early 1955?)  that I couldn't stop rear main seal from leaking. But this was back when rope seal were used (1960s).  This engine crank did not have oil sling. Had to swap in a later crank, that slowed leak but didn't completely stop it, but was using rope style seal with expanding type side seals.

Hello  I once had a 272 (early 1955?)  that I couldn't stop rear main seal from leaking. But this was back when rope seal were used (1960s).  This engine crank did not have oil sling. Had to swap in a later crank, that slowed leak but didn't completely stop it, but was using rope style seal with expanding type side seals.