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Technical Desoto hemi rear main leak

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Buffman, May 14, 2025.

  1. Buffman
    Joined: Jun 26, 2017
    Posts: 20

    Buffman

    I've got a real head scratcher. '56 Desoto 330 hemi, new rebuild, 3rd time rear main seal(?) Leak on start up. I've done the install twice and another guy with 20 yrs building engines did 1. On tear down we can't see any probly with the seals or the rear main cap.
    Any suggestions/ideas are welcomed.
    HELP!
     
  2. Oneball
    Joined: Jul 30, 2023
    Posts: 1,646

    Oneball
    Member

    Has it been line bored so the rear main seal is now slightly off centre of the crank?
     
  3. Buffman
    Joined: Jun 26, 2017
    Posts: 20

    Buffman

    No the machine shop (no longer working on gas engines) polished the crank .003 under.
    Balanced but not align bored
     
    Oneball likes this.
  4. TCTND
    Joined: Dec 27, 2019
    Posts: 754

    TCTND
    Member

    Does it have an effective breather or PCV?
     
  5. gene-koning
    Joined: Oct 28, 2016
    Posts: 5,804

    gene-koning
    Member

    How bad is the main seal leak? A few drips may seal as time p***es.
    A worn spot on the crank where the seal is suppose to seal?
    Excessive main bearing clearance?
    Defective seals? Just because they are new, doesn't mean they are good anymore.
    Crankshaft moving forwards and backwards?
    The oil leak is coming from higher on the motor and dripping off the main seal area?
    Too much crankcase pressure? You still have a way to vent off pressure, right?
    Misaligned crankshaft and transmission input shaft?
    Flywheel/torque converter out of balance?
     
  6. Bandit Billy
    Joined: Sep 16, 2014
    Posts: 16,060

    Bandit Billy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I have a 330 desoto that is new but tight so far. I run a PCV valve in the valley cover plumbed to manifold vacuum. I know what you are going through though, I have a 455 Olds that I have replaced the rear main on a few times and have just decided to keep a piece of cardboard under it. Damn drippy Olds.
     
  7. Buffman
    Joined: Jun 26, 2017
    Posts: 20

    Buffman

    All God reply.
    Yes it has a pcv plumber from the valley cover to the vacuum port on the carb base plate.
    The drip is pretty bad, about a pint in 10-20 minutes running.
    I've used one FelPro seal, one Best gasket brand and one unknown.
    Only about .0015 end play on the crank.
    The crank was polished about .003 under.
    Thebtrans is an A518 with an adapter from Hemi Hot Heads.
    I haven't checked the run out on the torque converter/flex plate yet. I'll let you know how that comes out.
    Thanks for y'alls input
     
  8. Budget36
    Joined: Nov 29, 2014
    Posts: 15,334

    Budget36
    Member

    I’m not sure about anything hemi, but could the oil be leaking down from above?
     
    seb fontana likes this.
  9. Doublepumper
    Joined: Jun 26, 2016
    Posts: 1,827

    Doublepumper
    Member
    from WA-OR, USA

    ^ A leaking block plug behind the cam can be mistaken for a bad rear seal. Good luck!
     
    seb fontana and caprockfabshop like this.
  10. seb fontana
    Joined: Sep 1, 2005
    Posts: 9,203

    seb fontana
    Member
    from ct

    What is the seal made of?
     
  11. kustomfordman
    Joined: Feb 28, 2006
    Posts: 538

    kustomfordman
    Member

    Are you using the Best rope seal or the rubber? Does the crank have serations or is it smooth where the seal runs?
     
  12. George
    Joined: Jan 1, 2005
    Posts: 7,988

    George
    Member

    Does it have a place for the air to come in? Like the OEM oil fill cap?
     

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