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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Florida
Posts: 7
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72 Chevy small block
Can some one tell me how to identify whether I have a one piece or two piece rear main seal? I understand that one of the two requires to either pull the engine or transmission. Which one requires pulling the engine? Thanks
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#2 |
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Location: Azle, Texas
Posts: 14,162
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Re: 72 Chevy small block
A 72 model would absolutely be a 2 piece seal (pull the pan).
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#3 |
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: Cullman, Alabama
Posts: 125
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Re: 72 Chevy small block
If memory serves me correct, one piece rear main seals came along at the same time as center bolt valve covers.
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#4 |
Watch out for your cornhole !
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Re: 72 Chevy small block
That is correct.
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#5 |
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chattanooga, TN
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Re: 72 Chevy small block
1-pc rear seals began in 1986. Center bolt valve covers started in 1987.
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#6 |
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: Cullman, Alabama
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Re: 72 Chevy small block
Knew it was somewhere in the mid 80s,....but that was a lllloooooonnnnngggg time ago!
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Steve McMillen ASE and GM certified Master Technician 25 years+ experience ![]() No, I do not know it all, that's why I attend tons of training. |
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#7 |
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Marianna Arkansas
Posts: 7,270
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Re: 72 Chevy small block
Seems like only well a few decades ago. Dang that was a long time wasn't it.
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#8 | |
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Join Date: May 2006
Location: Jonesboro, AR
Posts: 916
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Re: 72 Chevy small block
Quote:
Yep, just drop the pan and rear main cap. I've helped do one but that was 25+ years ago. Used to be a kit with a wire that had a corkscrew end to help pull the new one through. |
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#9 |
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Location: Godley, TX
Posts: 17,963
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Re: 72 Chevy small block
a sneaky pete is the tool you need to change the upper half of the rear main seal. I've only done it once, will never do it again. Doesn't always go smoothly. The corkscrew is useful, but tends to destroy the old seal, which is fine, but tends to leave scraps. Getting the new one in isn't exactly easy - at least I didn't think it was. So, if you choose to try this, make sure you understand the process first. The sp kit comes with a corkscrew on a string to pull and a seal-profile-shaped pusher to help in removing and sliding the new and old seal around the top of the crank.
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#10 |
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Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Paradise TX USA
Posts: 1,200
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Re: 72 Chevy small block
I looked in my toolbox, I still have one of those kits with the corkscrew and chinese fingers to pull the new rope seal around with. I also have a dwell meter and point adjusting tool. Dang I'm getting old.
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#11 |
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Overland Park, Ks.
Posts: 5,216
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Re: 72 Chevy small block
Those did not use a rope seal. It is a 2 piece rubber seal. Usually you can push the upper part out a little ways & grab it with needle nose pliers. Put a tiny pinch of RTV between the ends and to the outer edge of the cap.
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Paradise TX USA
Posts: 1,200
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Re: 72 Chevy small block
Yep, I don't remember exactly what year Chevy quit using rope seals and started using the rubber 2 piece seals. I know that some of the other GM engines still had rope seals into the early 70's
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#13 | ||
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Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Whidbey Island, Washington
Posts: 8,940
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Re: 72 Chevy small block
Not sure if any of the 350's had rope seals... but the 265, 283, and some 327's had rope seals.
Gary
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#14 |
Watch out for your cornhole !
![]() Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Azle, Texas
Posts: 14,162
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Re: 72 Chevy small block
I agree with Gary. By the time 350s came out, the rubber lip seal was in use.
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