Chevrolet 216 rope seal? Yes or No?

[Richard Farrant]

Back in the 1970's/80's I rebuilt countless Bedford six cylinder engines for the UK armed services. They were a derived from GM engines and the 300 petrol annd 330 diesel engines still used rope seals in rear mains right up until Bedford trucks ceased production which I think was around 1989. The seals were impregnated with graphite and we had a dolly to form the seal in to the block and cap, then trim it off. The rubbing surface of the seal was net smeared with a graphite paste to aid it on first start up. Never gave much problems unless mains were worn then it took the pressure off the seal.

Phil, I can't see how you could fit a Speedisleeve to a crank as usually the flywheel flange is larger than the seal path.

regards Richard