reoccuring problem.. need help

[yfzjim]

I have a new to me boat that I just put a new 350 long block in. maiden voyage went well. ran it a bout an hour with no problems. second time out it started leaking oil from the front crank seal behind the balancer. I replaced the new seal with another new seal. went back out for the 3rd time no problems. take it out today for its 4th trip and notice after loading it back on the trailer its leaking oil again from the same place. upon closer inspection I realize the seal is pushed almost all the way back out of the timing cover. after i thought about it i remembered that the first leaking seal was pushed out a little. what could be causing this? it fits tightly, I have to drive it in with a block and hammer. I have never seem this before. should i be putting somekind of adhesive on it? has anyone seen this before? timing cover was straight and square when removed from the old block and did not do this before. seal is a good quality felpro piece.
thanks
jimmy

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: reoccuring problem.. need help

That is a very strange problem.
The only thing i can suggest is try a different cover, if that ones does the same then is a balancer or crank problem i'd think.

 

[Apollo75]

Re: reoccuring problem.. need help

Hello;

Could be the housing --- I would install the seal with lock-tight ---- not the red stud and bearing seal --- also is there a crankcase vent on the engine or is it sealed with no vents and building up pressure ?

Best of luck

OFM

______________________________________
"If the boat is not sinking or on fire ---- Relax."

 

[yfzjim]

Re: reoccuring problem.. need help

Okay, the timing cover and balancer were both reused from the old motor and I did not have this problem with it. what could be wrong with the crank? both crankcase vents are clear.

 

[Apollo75]

Re: reoccuring problem.. need help

I would try the lock-tight and install the cover but do not tighten it --- install the balancer so the seal is centered on the balancer and then tighten the cover bolts.

I am not there but if the engine is building crank case pressure it could push the seal out --- check and/or install hoses or vents etc,. This is a new engine and they create more crank case pressure until the rings fully seat --- maybe a lower rpm for awhile.

Take a center punch and punch around the seal on the outer seal surface of the front cover after seal installation -- inside the cover about where you think the outside of the seal rides -- to help keep it in there. This is a measure to use before you replace the front cover.

If you punch too hard the seal or cover may become useless

This is my best advice at the moment sorry.


Best of luck

OFM

______________________________________
"If the boat is not sinking or on fire ---- Relax."

 

[jtybt]

Re: reoccuring problem.. need help

Could you have gotten a crank that wasn't ground correctly and there's too much throw... or maybe the rear main (where the thrust bearing is) wasn't installed?

I had a friend that got a long block with a cam that didn't have the timing gear even cut into the cam.

 

[Apollo75]

Re: reoccuring problem.. need help

On second thought I think a pretty chrome timing chain cover is about $25.00 maybe try a new one ??

OFM

 

[yfzjim]

Re: reoccuring problem.. need help

dont really want to remove or replace the timing cover. its not that old, and theres nothing wrong with it. Mainly I dont want to drop the oil pan loose to get it out. as far as trying to center it on the crank it sits on dowel pins, even when its not tightened down completely it really doesnt move. as stated above there are 2 crankcase vents, both of which are breathing freely. the long block came from rapido which were highly recommended on this site. the rear main cap/ thrust bearing is installed.

 

[Apollo75]

Re: reoccuring problem.. need help

Well, it is un-usual for the seal to come out --- you said it was a tight fit --- really weird it would come out.

I would clean the cover seal surface with solvent, soap and water, and then either use the lock-tight spray cleaner or wipe with acetone then apply the lock-tight on it.


I can't think of anything else here. Sorry


OFM

 

[yfzjim]

Re: reoccuring problem.. need help

will replace seal again and use locktite or some adhesive and cross my fingers. Im starting to get tired of cleaning the bilge!

 

[yfzjim]

Re: reoccuring problem.. need help

Bond-o or Don S either of you guys have any insight into this?

 

[yfzjim]

Re: reoccuring problem.. need help

anyone?

 

[yfzjim]

Re: reoccuring problem.. need help

update!! I got a new seal, cleaned timing cover well with acetone and installed the new seal after coating it with a 2 part metal epoxy as suggested by raul from Rapido Marine. If it comes back out it will be taking the timing cover with it! had the boat in the water 2 times and so far no problems. I think what happened was when I put the timing cover on the new engine I sandblasted it and repaited it. it may have been just enough thickness removed to loosen the fit of the seal allowing it to work its way loose. who knows, but it seems to be fixed now.