Question about front cover on smooth case trans

[rkep01]

The front cover on my smooth case transmission has a spiral groove in the first motion shaft boss. Any idea as to what the purpose of this groove is? The reason I ask is that the transmission leaks oil into the bellhousing if parked with the nose of the car on a slight downhill slope. There is no seal indicated on this front cover in the parts manual and no reference to the groove in the workshop manual. The trans is not over filled with oil. Any info would be appreciated.

 

[Gerard]

Same concept as the scroll seal on the engine. However, you can develop a lot of play in the first motion shaft when the bearings are worn as well as the pilot bush. This can lead to excessive wear in the cover and leave you with the result you describe. There are replacement covers made with a lip seal retrofitted. A possible solution to your problem, but not cheap.

 

[rkep01]

Got one from The Winner's Circle, $39.95 + shipping. Not bad at all. Now to replace the input shaft bearing and end bushing and the pilot bearing. Thanks for the info. It has solved a big problem for me.

 

[lbcfan]

Gerard-

What would be considered a lot of play? I have 1/32" side to side movement in a ribcase tranny that I bought and inspected, but have not yet used. Is that acceptable?

Thanks,

Michael

 

[rkep01]

Hi Michael - I'm no expert on transmissions, so I don't know if 1/32" is excessive or not, but for $39.95 you might be wise to get the sealed front cover from The Winner's Circle, since you have the trans. out of the car and the front cover is bound to wear out sooner or later. Makes a real mess inside the bellhousing. https://www.spridget.com/catalog/18.gif. Return your front cover to them to get the core charge refunded.

 

[Gerard]

Gerard-

Is that acceptable?

Michael

If you are measuring ay the furthest end of the input shaft, that seems pretty good. I agree rkep01... the front seal is a good idea. The price isn't that bad. I think they were a lot higher at one time.