Rear main retainer side seals on BB

[NorthWestcuda]

I picked up a rear main seal kit today from Fel-Pro (BS 40240).  The only thing they include in the kit for the side retainer seals is a small tube Black RTV silicone and two small pieces of what looks like "grandpa's old smoking pipe cleaners".  Are you kidding.....  Is this really what I'm suppose to use for the side seals on the rear main seal retainer?  WHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TOOOO.    If so, what is the trick to installing the Black RTV & pipe cleaner thingy so that it seals really good!!!!!!!............Heck I'll just get some duck tape and silcone that will fix everything    

[Moparal]

You will have no problems with that kit. The paper side seals get soaked in oil then sliped down on each side. A dab of silocone on the bottom.  The strips swell up quick, so once you soak with oil, install them

[NorthWestcuda]

I've included a picture of the things they want me to use along with the RTV for the side seals They actually look like pipe cleaners, not paper seals that expand.  It just doesn't seem correct??

[Chryco Psycho]

weird maybe someone thinks that will work better

[NorthWestcuda]

Two different Fel-Pro kits I looked at had these.   

[Moparal]

I really didnt think you ment pipe cleaners.  I would not use them. Must of been a guy on crack or something that made that kit.  We can build bridges out of chocolate to, but it wouldnt seem right either. Find the right kit

[NorthWestcuda]

FYI guys,  I called a technician at Fel-Pro about this "pipe cleaner" and black RTV silicone concern I had.  The technician said that the Black RTV is actually the sealer.  The pipe cleaners are designed to be wet before you put it in the side of the retainer.  Than you squeeze in the silicone. The water reacts with the silicone and helps it dry much quicker.  I also talked the 440 source about it.  They said alot of guys are sealing the side main bear seal this way, with good luck.   So I've decided to put that in my pipe and smoke it!!!!!!!!!!

[matt63]

I really didnt think you ment pipe cleaners.  I would not use them. Must of been a guy on crack or something that made that kit. 

No kidding.  I don't see how those would work either.  The old seals were some sort of fiberous material.

[Chryco Psycho]

this could work better , the fiber seals were not great , using a bead of high quality silicone will work same as the front & rear of small block intakes , you could put the silicone in place forst & force the pipe cleaner in to be sure you had silicone all the way down

[440mike]

the boss just uses silicon by itself on the sides no peces or anything and it seals ok ?

[acudanut]

You will have no problems with that kit. The paper side seals get soaked in oil then sliped down on each side. A dab of silocone on the bottom.  The strips swell up quick, so once you soak with oil, install them

Are you kidding me. 

[Moparal]

Are you kidding me. 

what do you mean     I thought he was talkin about the tab type.