Melling vs. SealedPower and a couple other questions

[Matt Haas <mhaas@xxxxxxx>]

I was going to take my wagon to the Teague show this year but when I tried 
to start it, it was acting like the timing had jumped and I heard very 
distinct "tink-tink-tink" noises coming from under the hood. I'm planning 
on pulling the motor this weekend to see what's going on (I also want to 
repaint it while it's out so it looks nice under the hood) but I spent a 
little time today pricing parts the I think I'll need based on my ear-ball 
diagnostic Saturday morning (camshaft, lifters, oil pump, timing set, 
etc...). The engine in the car is a 199 six with a hair under 42,000 miles 
on it and has had some work done to it in the past to un-goo it from 
sitting. Prior to the not starting episode, it ran very nicely except for 
the valve train noises I've posted about in the past.

The couple of places I checked out mostly carried either Melling or 
SealedPower parts. I'm not going to try and squeeze any more power from the 
engine and I'm not planning on any type of hard usage. Anyone have any 
opinions either way on these two brands?

Also, are the ROL gasket sets better than FelPro? I've used FelPro in the 
past with very good success but I don't mind spending a little extra to get 
better gaskets. The price difference wasn't much but what I'm really after 
is quality here.

I'm not planning on doing much to the bottom end but I am going to replace 
the rear main seal while the engine's out.  Any thoughts on replacing the 
rod and main bearings without having the crank machined? I'm tempted to 
leave well enough alone due to mileage but when the engine's out of the car 
and upside down, it isn't going to get much easier.

If anyone has suggestions for better quality stock replacement parts, I'm 
open to suggestions.

Thanks,

Matt

mhaas@xxxxxxx
Cincinnati, OH
http://www.mattsoldcars.com
1967 Rambler American wagon
1968 Rambler American sedan
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