Restoring an early TR4. Now that I have the engine almost down to parade
rest, I see there's a special tool - mandrel - that is used to locate the
rear main oil seal. Having built a couple of Chevy V8s I know how important
the rear main oil seal is. I don't see the tool listed in either Victoria
British or the Roadster Factory catalogs. What's the deal? Can the rear
main oil seal be centered on the crank without benefit of the special tool?
Anyone solved this or know where to get the mandrel without taking out
another mortgage?
I'm considering just doing rings and con rod bearings and not fooling with
the mains or rear main seal. The engine has low miles (50K), good
compression, but smoked a bit and was dirtier than sin from sitting for 16
years. I'd rather do it all while I'm this far into it, but the thought of a
leaky new rear main seal argues for alternatives. (Rear main seal was not
leaking up to this point - front crank seal at the timing chain cover another
story entirely.)
Any accumulated wisdom appreciated.
Bill in St. Louis
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