Greetings all,
My recently restored Mk I Spit (with high comp. 1147 cc Herald block) is now
leaking oil from what would normally be the rear oil seal area. I had a
local Triumph specialist rebuild just the short block for me (I did not have
time) and he advised (and my recollection is the same) that in the early
Spit/Herald 1147 cc motor there is no oil seal in the rear of the motor,
just a scroll type groove that supposedly "flings" the oil back into the
sump and away from the rear crankbearing.
The leak is dripping off of the very bottom of the bellhousing, where it
bolts up to the rear flange plate on the block. It appears that the oil is
working its way out through the rear crank bearing, then down into the
bellhousing. It's dripping enough for me to wonder if this amount of a drip
is normal. The mechanic advises that there is a small hole drilled into the
base of the early bellhousing just for this purpose and to allow any
accumulated oil to drip away from the clutch (which is my main concern
here). Since I R&R'd the motor myself I certainly would not expect him to
be too eager to undertake further work on the motor and frankly neither am
I.
So, query for the masses - is the "flinger" seal analysis correct? Is there
actually supposed to be a hole in the bottom of the bellhousing? (I'll check
tonight when I get home to see if mine has one - I never noticed it before)
How much oil drippage is considered "normal" if in fact the scroll seal is
as described? What is the likelihood that my new clutch and pressure plate
will become covered in oil? Any tips/thoughts as to how best minimize the
oil leak? Any tips/thoughts as to how best placate my lovely wife and
convince her that everything is going to be alright, and that "really,
Honey, they ALL do that"? Why didn't I notice any of this before? Thanks
to all in advance. Cheers.
Ross D. Vincenti
64 Spitfire 4
64 Porsche 356 C Coupe (next project)
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