Front Neoprene seal install

Just a quick question to make sure i'm doing it right.

1974, 455

Pulled the factory timing cover and i'm assuming i need to unpress the factory crush tabs (or whatever you want to call them) remove the old rope seal housing then press the neoprene seal in and reapply the crush tabs?

 

Knock the rope seal retainer out, clean and remove the remaining raised material from the factory retaining crimps (just till they are flush). If the new seal has its own sealer already on it then drive it in square and you are done. If the seal has nothing on it then add a small amount of sealer to it and the covers mating surface, drive it in square, clean off remaining sealer and you are done. I have never had one leak yet. Don't forget to apply engine oil or break-in lube to the lip of the seal prior to installing balancer/damper.

Larry

 

Yep,use a punch and get rid of the old seal housing. I take a die grinder and round off the areas where the tabs were punched in so the new seal presses in smoothly without distorting. I don't repunch the tabs, just a real light coat of silicone on the outside of the new seal housing works for me.
Gary

 

Thanks guys! I'm going in!

 

So i put the seal in and it goes right in too easily. I was reading other post where people say they are a tight fit.

I just got a seal at autozone maybe that's the problem. It's a Duralast 710163 which say it's compatible.

I'm sure I can make the fitment tighter with some silicone but wasn't sure if that was okay or not.

 

Gary,
I was not aware that Duralast had a seal for the 455 Buick like you have pictured. Are you sure it's not for a 350? The seal that we sell at TA Perf I had made for the 455 Buick stock timing covers. Ours will press in. Also I alway apply a small amount of silicon under the lip of the seal to help stop leaks from the oil getting around the seal. Because when you grind the sewage marks off they are never perfect.

 

Thanks, I returned the old seal, and will purchase a new one

 

I picked up the correct seal.

I just wanted to be sure i'm installing it in the right direction before I press it into the timing cover.

it's been about 6 years since I rebuilt my last one but my memory is telling me that I install it in this direction. Correct?


Here's the reverse side, which doesn't look right to me]

 

Bottom Picture is correct. Sealing lip towards engine. Look inside, the tension spring should be on the engine side.

Larry