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Re: R:Oil leaking out of speedo cable

To: JstBob@aol.com
Subject: Re: R:Oil leaking out of speedo cable
From: neil.cairns@virgin.net
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 1998 07:46:10 -0700
JstBob@aol.com wrote:
> 
> Scott,
> I would not brother to replace the angle drive there is no way it can leak.
> Your leak is coming from the seal in the speedo pinoin bearing. This can be
> replaced but, its a job and a half. Even then this may not stop the leak as
> the pinion shaft may be worn. I did mine about three years ago and I have
> grown accustom to the leak. As someone on this list stated "My car does not
> leak its just marking its territory."
> 
> Whats a few drops?
> 
> Bob, 71 mbg
> 
>  From: Scott McKorkle <bmc@aa.net>
> 
> > Subject: Oil leaking out of speedo cable
> 
> > Date: Friday, July 17, 1998 12:39 PM
> 
> >
> 
> > I have noticed a puddle of oil forming under my 78B after each drive.
> 
> The
> 
> > oil is coming out of the connector where the speedo cable attaches to the
> 
> > gearbox angle drive.  At first thought, I had this pegged as a bad cable.
> 
> > Upon reflection, I think it may be due to leakage through the angle
> 
> drive,
> 
> > into the cable.  If so, does this mean the angle drive is shot?
> 
> Everything
> 
> > seems tightened down and the speedo works fine... but still a puddle of
> 
> oil
> 
> > forms.
> 
> >
> 
> > As expensive as those angle drives are, I'd welcome any suggestions that
> 
> > may keep me from replacing it.
> 
> >
> 
> > Scott McKorkle
> 
> > Issaquah, WA
> 
> > 1978 B
I often wonder that as modern cars are so oil tight, and efficient, some
younger owners do not appreciate just how crude older cars oil sealing
really is. You cannot demand perfection from the devices used to keep
oil in many MG's. My YB leaks from the front crankshaft seal, only a
tiny bit, but it drips two or three times a day....the speedo cable
drive,  (just like the MGB,) leaks, I have put a little metal shroud
under it to stop it dropping onto the hot exhaust......the diff nose
seal weeps, even after three new seals, but there is no vent in these
old axles, so they pressurize a little when hot,.....my Mk4 leaks from
the scroll seal at the rear end of the crankshaft, a very common early
'B' series leak, BMC even drill a hole in the clutch bell housing to let
the oil out.......my MG Metro leaks from the timing chain cover seal,
and the gear-lever rod. This rod enters the gearbox UNDER the oil level,
so weeps continuously, a problem on every MG Metro.

British iron leaks oil, its a " characteristic". You should try some of
our classic motorcycles!!!!!! My BSA B31 use to 'preserve' itself in oil
on every run.

I blame it on clean modern driveways myself, my wife insists I use an
old cooking tray under the car if the YB is left out of the garage.

Neil.

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