TR6 Engine seals

[PanP]

Hello all,
I am about to rebuild the engine in the 73-6. I got a handle on all the machining and assembly, but I would like a little advise on the engine seals, ie rear main, front block. Has anyone got any opinions on any upgrades or processes for installing new seals. I am not one to worry about a little oil leak (keeps the undercarriage nice and lubed and protected) but, the LBC currently gives up more than it uses. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks BP

 

[trrdster2000]

PanP, mot a big issue when installing but I would use some white grease when installing. Sometimes we put these things together and it's a long time between install and using, so you need to have a lub on the seals that won't cake and dry out over time and split the sharp edges of the seals. Oh, yes centering is very important.

Wayne

 

[poolboy]

Follow the procedure in Bentley when installing the timing cover. In particular the part where it says to slide the oil seal sleeve onto the nose of the crankshaft AFTER the timing cover is in place.
The idea behind that is so the lips of the oil seal in the timing cover will be tilted rearward by the installation of the sleeve.
I believe there is also mention of orienting the lips of the rear crankshaft seal, too.
I'm not sure either technique is a guarantee of a leak free seal, but it kind of makes sense.

 

[PanP]

Thanks guys, I saw an upgraded front sealing block, anyone use that, worth the effort? I also saw ( can't find the link now) an upgraded rear main, I think it required some machining, not sure, any thoughts or info? Thanks much BP

 

[poolboy]

The only problem I'm aware of with the original sealing block is that it is aluminum and someone may have over tightened the 2 bottom 'bolts' and stripped the threads.
If you have good threads and follow the Bentley as far as how it and the wooden seals are installed, trimmed and leveled it's just as good just as the steel as long as you are not the one who eventually strips the threads...but there is always helicoil in that event.

I'm not aware of an alternative rear main seal housing.

 

[PanP]

Thanks "poolboy" I was mistaken about the rear seal, I had seen a conversion for the TR4. I haven't looked at the Bentley procedure yet, still trying to get my head around the fact some engineer thought "wood" was the appropriate medium for an engine seal.

 

[trrdster2000]

PanP, How about the wood for floor boards and all of the body panels were nailed onto the wooden frame on all early cars.
Even the '49 Roadster has wooden seals under the doors and floor boards as did the MGA.
The Austin Healey's and MGA's in the mid '60's had wooden header rails to tack on the hood.
Most of your cast parts were all formed from wooden molds.

Just a bit of history. Wayne

 

[poolboy]

Thanks "poolboy" I was mistaken about the rear seal, I had seen a conversion for the TR4. I haven't looked at the Bentley procedure yet, still trying to get my head around the fact some engineer thought "wood" was the appropriate medium for an engine seal.

They may have wanted something that would swell up in oil.