Rob123 Posted October 29, 2017 Share Posted October 29, 2017 Mk2 SpitfireHave replaced the oil seal in the front of the diff (actually there wasn't one there when bought the car) however after a few hundred miles or so it has all leaked out. Clearly coming from the front of the diff as there is a nice line of oil on the underside of the car. Its taking about 1/4 litre each time it gets filled.Is this a known problem? Any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Jones Posted October 29, 2017 Share Posted October 29, 2017 They certainly can leak from there but it's a problem rather than a feature. Possible causes include- The breather is blocked with crud and allowing pressure to build up when the diff heats up. It's a simple jiggle pin on the top of the RH rear mount lug.- The sealing surface of the flange is damaged, either rust pitted of with a groove worn in it. Might be recoverable with a speedy sleeve.- The bore the seal fits into has been damaged and oil leaks around the seal (will drip all the time, not just when running).- There is sideways play in the pinion bearing giving the seal a challenge it can't meet. - The seal was damaged during installation.Is it a leather seal or modern rubber one? Is the diff quiet? Any vibration?Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob123 Posted October 30, 2017 Author Share Posted October 30, 2017 Thanks Nick,Its a rubber seal (from Rimmers). Diff is fairly quiet and no vibration.If its not the seal or the breather is a new diff required?Rob. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Jones Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 I don't see why you'd need a new/reconned diff unless there is lots of play in the pinion bearing or it's running out of true (pinion shaft bent).Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob123 Posted December 16, 2017 Author Share Posted December 16, 2017 Hi Nick, its been a while but can report the following:Have been able to jiggle the pin around. No evidence of oil coming out through this route.Have taken the front flange off and the seal is badly damaged. It has only done a few hundred miles but looks badly affected by heat. I've attached a photo showing seal and a new one. There is a lip around the top (as seen in photo) of the seal. It is also about 1mm shorter. It was torqued up to 85lb ft as per the Haynes manual.The seal surface on the flange looks fine.Any ideas what has gone wrong? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Jones Posted December 16, 2017 Share Posted December 16, 2017 Last seal perhaps not tapped far enough into the housing, meaning that it's been running in contact with the back of the flange and getting hot due to friction? Does the back of the flange show signs of contact?Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob123 Posted December 16, 2017 Author Share Posted December 16, 2017 I am confused. The bottom of the U of the seal sits on the flange. Is it supposed to be mounted on the diff first and then the flange slid on after? If so what does it 'sit' on? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob123 Posted December 16, 2017 Author Share Posted December 16, 2017 Feeling a bit stupid now, on closer inspection there is another seal already in place but it has a metal casing leading me to think it was part of the diff. It's such in place! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob123 Posted December 16, 2017 Author Share Posted December 16, 2017 The old seal was a leather one in metal casing, no rubber at all. New seal now fitted. Hopefully the oil bill will go down now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Jones Posted December 16, 2017 Share Posted December 16, 2017 That'll be it then 😉 Expect the old metal-cased one was a bit of sod to extract?Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob123 Posted December 16, 2017 Author Share Posted December 16, 2017 Very difficult! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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