383 Rear Main Seals

[EngineerDoug]

Hey folks,

I am about to replace the rear main seal on my 383. I have the seal set that came with my Fel-Pro engine gasket set - the one with the two-piece rubber(?) seal and the two red side seals.

I combed through many threads and am confused about a couple of points. It does appear that there are several ways to install these seals, or at least more than one opinion on the subject.

Am I correct in noting that the semicircular seals are installed without any silicone? I gather that they should be slightly staggered from the parting line of the retainer and the block, and it would best to glue them together with some Locktite sealant.

The biggest point of confusion has to do with the side seals. Are these designed to be installed with or without silicone? Some folks believe they are to be installed without silicone, and are designed to swell with exposure to oil. I also see that some people do without the side seals, and simply fill the side voids with silicone. And some use the side seals and fill any remaining voids in the side slots with silicone.

Is there is a general consensus on these points?

Thanks.

 

[moparnation74]

http://www.hughesengines.com/Upload...in_Seal_Installation_InstructionsJune2006.pdf

All the info you need.....

 

[PurpleBeeper]

I actually never offset my rear main seals. I've had good luck just using a "dab" of silicone where they join & I've never used silicone on the side seals, but unless you go nuts with it, I don't think it would hurt anything.

 

[khryslerkid]

http://www.hughesengines.com/Upload...in_Seal_Installation_InstructionsJune2006.pdf

All the info you need.....

Follow this to the letter! Pay attention to the way the seal points when installed.

 

[moper]

I use rope seals unless the engine is a max-power effort. No leaks.
When I do use the lip seals, I don't offset either. Clean the seal with brake cleaner, put assembly lube or oil on the actual lip, and install it in the block. Put a couple dabs of silicone (ultra grey or ultra black). I fill the indents on the sides of the retainer with silicone, and slide it in place. Then I go over the sides of the retainer to make sure there are no gaps in the silicone.