well, cooling system has been decent, but, that rear main isn't........
soooooo, took the steering linkage down, and off came the pan, and seal cap. (bearing too, wanted to check it, and i may put the mancini one with oil diversion to the front of the engine in it's place). it appears that one end of the rope seal may have just gotten a little too 'frayed' when pulling it through, and i don't think i had enough compression at the parting line when installed. to me, that is good news, as it is most likely the seal causing me grief.......