Spring Projects Completed

Last time we left off I was describing how what started out as a simple project has grown into a monster project.  Long story short, I was going to pull the engine and trans in order to freshen things up and replace things like a new radiator, clutch, flywheel, shift kit, and the infamous rear main oil seal that I have been trying to avoid since I've had the car.

Coming out party

Here's a rundown of each of the projects:

Rear Main Oil Seal and Engine

Whelp, this isn't going to work

Once I got the engine out of the car, I had to break down the engine from the flywheel back.  Once I removed all those parts, I could put the engine on the engine stand.  Except there was one problem.  The new engine puller has legs that come out in the shape of a 'V' and the engine stand has boxed legs.  Have you ever put a square peg into a round hole?  Doesn't work.  So I had to go out and get a new engine stand.  The good news is I have an engine stand for sale.  Anyone interested?

Once I was able to finally get the engine on the stand I went to work on the rear main oil seal.  For the rear main oil seal I went with a Fel-Pro Fluoroelastomer gasket from JEGS.  Except, when I ordered it I got an email saying it was out of stock and on back order and they requested the vendor send it directly to me.  After some research I found out that it was out of stock everywhere!  I was scrambling everywhere trying to find this part.  I even called Fel-Pro and they said they were waiting on production and it could take up to six months.  Right when I was ready to cancel my order with JEGS, a package showed up at my door and it was the rear main oil seal gasket!

I also picked up some Corporate Ford Blue engine paint, new freeze plugs, intake and exhaust gaskets.  I was also able to check the oil pickup depth since I had the engine out (something I didn't do when I installed it).  I never had any problems with it, but I just needed the peace of mind knowing that it is now 1/2" above the bottom of the pan.