Rear main backwards?

[Steve V]

Has anyone ever installed one backwards? How bad did it leak,was it instant when the engine fired? I know the correct way,but I am tinking I may have the bottom half in wrong I have a steady drip at the back of the pan,and it coming from inside the flexplate area,not running down. Motor is bran new,less than 10 miles....

 

[steve hughes]

I put the lower half in a sbc backwards once. Steady drip right from the start.

 

[TIMS87GN]

Are you using the stock rope type seal or the neoprene replacement?
I replaced mine with the neoprene and I don't recall if it was directional or not. You are probably leaking from where the two halves join together or at the sides of the rear main cap. Those areas need to be clean of all oil and debris before you put sealant in there. I used The Right Stuff instead of RTV.

I have heard of the rope seals leaking even when they are new.

 

[jhanson1750]

If you are using the neoprean it IS directional you may have installed it backwards??

 

[Dabigguy]

Hey Steve. Yes, it is pretty easy to install it backwards. I think you will have a pretty good drip if the top in in right and the bottom is backwards. Maybe you can wipe the back of the pan off and dust it with baby powder so you can see where it is dripping from? Shoot me a call if you need someone to hand ya tools !!!!

 

[Steve V]

Neoprene seal and the lower half was in wrong. I also use the right stuff and offset the seal. Cap is back one and sealer will cure until Sat,then I'll put the pan on and pray!