Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Well the Sneaky Pete was a bust.I suspect that the problem is with the premium seal I purchased from Max Merrit. It looks like a better material than the original style rope seal version but it will not compress nearly enough for the "chinese finger" to pull it around the crank. I can get it started but it binds immediately and would be shredded if I pulled any harder so back to either trying an old style seal at least for the upper portion or dropping the crankshaft which means pulling out the transmission.

IIRC. The sneaky pete method usualy requires a special type rope seal that comes with the kit. OEM seals not applicable with sneaky pete. Need to check into this issue.

My good experiences with the sneaky pete were with the graphited rope seals that came with McCord or Victor gasket sets way back when. Don't know what's being supplied these days.

I have a graphite rope seal and it looks like is more pliable and will do the trick so maybe I will try this tomorrow.

47 and 51 Service manuals don't mention soaking but wouldn't hurt. They do both mention using a press and the lower bearing cap to preform the seal to the proper contour so it can be fed up around the crankshaft without difficulty.