rear j type overdrive seal change

[cnicholson]

is it easy to change the seal on the rear of the overdrive on a spitfire? Hoping its not a engine box out job....

[WIMPUS]

You can change it with the gearbox/overdrive still in place.
it seems to be an easy job, the garage did renew my seal and said it doesn't took long.

Only i removed the tunnel & prop at the time ( car was in for paint so full stripped).

[yorkshire_spam]

IIRC I did mine by:
1) Remove short tunnel section (3 self tappers)
2) disconnect front of propshaft from OD output
3) Jack back end up, disconnect rear of prop
4) Prop back+down to make room
5) remove output flange
6) use slide hammer to remove seal
7) push in new seal
8) clean+refit output flange
9) prop back on
10) short tunnel section back in.
But that's from memory, I may have had the full gearbox/tunnel cover out at the time - I can't remember.

[nang]

Suggest that you check the surface on the output flange that the seal runs on. If it's badly scored a new seal is a waste of time.
I routinely put these seal running surfaces in the lathe and polish any minor marks out with a bit of wet and dry paper. Really bad one's can be metal sprayed or sleeved with a speedy sleeve if new one's are unavailable.
Tony.

[cnicholson]

thanks guys i like the idea of using the lathe to polish it up again.

sods law i have just finished putting the new tunnel and carpets in when i spotted the leak!