Classic/Antique Car Repair: Oil Leak, sheet metal screw, screw head

Question
I have a oil leak with my rear main seal. I have a 1957 cadillac seris 62  with a 365 cubic inches v8. Do I have to remove the crankshaft to replace top seal?

THank You
Rick

Answer
If the engine is stock and has not been altered the rear main seal is a two piece affair. The upper half can be rolled out and a new seal installed using a tool like a Chinese finger. I have threaded a sheet metal screw into the old seal and used a vice grip in the screw head while turning the crankshaft to roll the seal out. I would plasitgage the clearance on the mains before buttoning the engine up. If the clearance is beyond specifications, replace the mains. Good luck.
Brad