390 rear main seal leak

[fastlane82]

My dad has a 1968 Ford XL (not a galaxy Just an XL) its got a 390 big block. (its for sale if anyone is interested!) The rear main seal keeps on leaking, he barely drives it so what we think is happening as the car sits the seal gets stuck to the crankshaft and as soon as we turn it over the seal breaks. Is this possible? One thing I've thought of we could do when we tear it apart... again, is put a brass or bronze sleeve on the crankshaft. I think since Bronze is a bearing material and cast iron is not, it would help with the sticking problem. If that is even the problem. Is there even sleeves thin enough to do something like this?

[usmc]

My dad has a 1968 Ford XL (not a galaxy Just an XL) its got a 390 big block. (its for sale if anyone is interested!) The rear main seal keeps on leaking, he barely drives it so what we think is happening as the car sits the seal gets stuck to the crankshaft and as soon as we turn it over the seal breaks. Is this possible? One thing I've thought of we could do when we tear it apart... again, is put a brass or bronze sleeve on the crankshaft. I think since Bronze is a bearing material and cast iron is not, it would help with the sticking problem. If that is even the problem. Is there even sleeves thin enough to do something like this?

the leak could just be that the seal has deteriorated based on age.

But, in answer to the question about the sleeve, yes there is a product called "speedi sleave." I dont' know if they make one for your specific engine but it is likely. They are intended for cases where the crank (or other shafts) are scored. So, if this is the case with your engine it wouldnt' hurt much to put one on while changing the seal. I have used them successfully in several applications

[fastlane82]

The problem is the car is rarely driven, i think the seal dries up and sticks to the crank. I think i'll look into one of those speedy sleeves, what can it hurt! thanks