Posted on the Barn, but so far no response, so thought I would try here. Getting ready to button up the bottom end of the block. Purchased a Felpro engine gasket kit, and the machine shop installed the upper rear seal that came with the kit. Looks like a Teflon impregnated rope seal. Not sure if kit came with instructions, but don’t have any. Installed the seal in the timing cover and didn’t trim it, but not sure if I should have. Doing a search on the barn, it seems some day to trim, and others not. Felpro Instructions just mention trimming the upper rear seal so it is flush with the bearing cap and block. No mention of what to do for front or oil,pan. So, should the Felpro Teflon impregnated rope seal be trimmed or left as is when installing it on the timing cover and oil pan? As installed on the timing cover without ant trimming. Felpro Instructions.
I trim them and use a dab of silicone sealer. But I noticed you have some oil on the end of the seal which is a no no when using any sealer.
The Best gasket kits usually have a template shim and provide a knife to trim the rope "pronounced". I would apply assembly lube to the crank snout and seal and keep the ends dry until the pan is mated. Then, coat the ends of the rope seal with silicone. I plan to do the timing cover and oil pan on my 8ba this way.
Agree on the lube not being on the ends of the rope seal and I’ve wiped it off. I’ve seen vids on the Best Gasket installation where they provide the knife, wooden stop, and height gage. I believe their seals are graphite impregnated, but really can’t find any more info on the Felpro seals other than what I posted above. From the little info I did find, it seems folks prefer the Felpro seals over those from Best Gasket.
I was taught to plush the seal into the groove and then lay a large socket across the seal a push it into place to seat it. Then as others have said trim the ends proud then a little sealer. But don’t over do it. And I have found that you need to use a brand new razor blade. They’re tougher than you think. I’ve never used Best gaskets but I like the fact they give you the knife.
Makes sense to leave it a little proud to get some crush. Will call Felpro tomorrow and see if I can get some advice. This is the kit I purchased.
Back when you could find NOS Ford gasket kits you didn't trim that seal.... Just soak it in oil overnight before installing it....I wouldn't trim that one either...Just soak it in oil like old Ford service bulletins said...
Spoke to Felpro tech support (Garage Gurus?) this morning. Was told to keep it just a few thou proud of the mating surface. Not sure how one could do this. Asked if they had something they could email me, and was told they have no printed material. Pretty lame. Will leave the timing cover rope seal as is (sticking out about 1/16” which is about the thickness of the cork pan gasket) since the gasket does not sit on top of the rope seal. Will do the same for the section going into the pan. Essentially, that means no cutting of gasket.
Here's how I do it and so far has worked perfectly every time. First I never trim the rope front seal I leave it the length it is. After soaking in some oil I install the rope into the front cover first. Next I use a round object {usually the a rachet extension} to push and roll at the same time the seal into the front cover. I repeat these steps on the oil pan front seal as well. Once again I never trim the front seals I leave both standing proud. Now I install the front cover once the cover is bolted in place I now trim the oil pan gasket at the locations of the front and rear seals so that they sit around the rope seals. Now just before putting the oil pan on I place a small amount of silicone sealer {Permatex brand Gray} around the outer edges of each seal. Once the pan is bolted down the silicone sealer will fill the areas around the seal edges so there's no leak. Ronnieroadster
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