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Spitfire Triumph Spitfire 74 transmission bellhousing leak

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SpitfireJeffrey

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Hello, I am new to the forum and found it by doing a google search. The engine has been rebuilt and a new clutch. I am having some leaking from the transmission.

I have a 74 Spitfire, the engine has been rebuilt and a new clutch as well. I am having some leaking from the transmission. it leaks fluid out of the bellhousing where the front shaft goes through. It seems that there should be a seal there but there is not. I have taken the engine and trans out and can see the shaft has little play when through the bellhousing opening. Do the threads on the inside of the bellhousing pass through redirect the oil back into the transmission?

Can anyone who might have knowledge of this issue possibly give me some advice on what may remedy the leak? I would greatly appreciate any help.
 
A crazy thought, but worth checking on, especially if the gearbox is out of the car: the bottom-most (I think) bolt holding the bellhousing to the gearbox casing should have a copper sealing washer on it. If it doesn't, that could be the (or at least a) source of the leak. Otherwise, yes, I believe it is a "scroll-type" seal to keep the oil in the gearbox.
 
Andy, do you know which year they added the regular shaft seal to the single-rod gearbox? I know the one in our Spitfire has the scroll seal without a shaft seal. Of course... our transmission is not original to our car either.

There was a guy on eBay who was selling kits to convert from the scroll seal to a shaft seal but I have not seen him list parts in at least a year.
 
Andrew and Doug thanks for the input I appreciate your time. I think that maybe the passthrough on the bellhousing or the shaft may be a little worn due to its age and that is why there is some leaking. Does this sound reasonable? so if I replaced the passthrough piece on the bellhousing, it could help with the leak.

I have not been able to find a replacement or anyone that offers that piece without having to buy a rebuilt trans. Might either of you know of a place that would have that piece, I have looked at most of the Triumph parts sites but have had no luck.
 
Sorry, the only place I remember seeing seal conversion parts was on eBay and I haven't seen those for a while.

If your gearbox has a scroll seal, there is no reason for wear to cause a leak. In theory, nothing is supposed to be touching. I suppose if the pilot bearing in the crankshaft was really badly worn you could have a lot of movement in the gearbox input shaft but I doubt it would be enough for anything to touch and wear.
 
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