Rear Oil Leak

[mxp01]

Gentlemen:

My Sprite has been out of action for a while due to an ignition problem, need for a carb rebuild, and a water pump replacement. These have now all been addressed.

I started up the car today and noticed a significant oil leak coming from the area where the transmission and engine come together. Yes, right where they join. It seems to be leakingfor where the bell housing meets the engine just about where the slave cylider is.

Never had a problem before. Oil pressure appears normal. When I did the engine rebuild two years ago I added the rear seal kit that is sold by Moss.

Any thoughts? Suggestions? I'd hate to pull this engine again.

Mike Pennell

 

[Gerard]

Hi Mike,

I think a lot of people are going to chime in on this and tell you that seal kit doesn't work, and for the most part, they are right. I have redesigned the kit to correct for the shortcoming. In fact, I just installed one yesterday on a 1275 that had a persistent leak. Using my modified seal kit, I can tell you first hand, that it completely cured the problem. I can tell you also, that is is extremely important to install the kit correctly.

The only solution, whatever you decide, will be to pull the engine.

 

[Rut]

Mike,
Check your engine for excessive crankcase pressure. If something got disconnected like the oil separator to manifold line or the valve cover to carb line it could cause the needed negative crankcase pressure to go away. An easy test is to take the oil filler cap off and put a rubber glove or a piece of plastic wrap over the hole and if it sucks in that's good or if it blows up/off you need to look for the reason. Excessive crankcase pressure will blow oil out of the rear scroll seal area. If you took the 'eyebrow' for the scroll seal off and replaced it with the Moss seal you may have increased your chances for a leak.
Good luck, Rut

 

[Gerard]

I just received an email from a guy in SoCal that installed my seal kit on his 1275.

"Hey great news your oil seal worked like a charm!!! No leaks. Thank you.

John F"

This was on a fresh rebuild that leaked considerably prior to the seal being added.

 

[jlaird]

Gerald, how about a link to a pic of your real seal kit.

Just trying to understand. Guess next engine I build will need one.

 

[Gerard]

Hi Jack,

Here's the one I installed last week, It is shown with the 5 speed adpater plate, but it's not required for the installation.

https://gerardsgarage.com/Garage/Tech/5speedKit.htm

The part not shown is how I've redesigned the half moon seal. This is the the critical piece to making it work.