Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines Sneaky Pete - Ever Used One?

So I have a newly rebuilt 235 in my 60 Bel Air and guess what - The rear main seal and timing cover seal are leaking after 500 miles.
Has anyone ever used a Sneaky Pete to remove and replace the upper rear main seal? Does it work or should I just pull the motor out again?
Thanks,
Fabian

Dear Fabian;

What is your oil pressure and how bad is this leak??

Hi, Just a quick thought since the engine is leaking in both places, do you have good vents on the engine? I've seen engines that are sealed tightly leak from normal blowby. Just a thought.

Ron

Fabian -

I believe your question was concerning the use of a "Sneaky Pete" and has anyone ever used one.

Well, I will be happy to answer your question.

I have used a Sneaky Pete to replace the top rope seal on my 261. They are made by the Lisle Corporation and are nothing more than a corkscrew type of tool with a wire and ring attached to the corkscrew. It is actually pretty easy to do, but you need to take your time and do it right. The most important thing is to properly prepare for this challange.

To specifically answer your question, "Yes", they work well and you can do the job without pulling the engine.

Take your time, and good luck!

Joe

F;

Ron is correct, you may not need ANY seals.

Thank you Joe, but let's find out if there (seals) needed first.

Hello Guys,
Oil pressure is great. I have the stock vent tube installed on the side of the motor and get a drip or two from time to time out of it.
I will see if installing a vented oil filler cap makes a difference.

Thank you.
Fabian

F;

"oil pressure is great"----how much is it??

Are you SURE that both seals are leaking?? This is a really rare thing. I've seen a valve cover leak that ran down to the lower part of the engine & looked like a seal before.

What kind of seal is in the rear?? Who put it in??

A "drop or two" is normal & your vent is okay/not the issue, but vented cap is ok as well.

John, I think I know what the problem is but I will look into it some more this weekend.
I installed a full flow oiling system and I suspect the npt fittings I screwed into the oil galleys are restricting the flow. I do not have an oil pressure gauge installed. I just have the idiot light in the dash.
Fabian