[Healeys] Pinion seal puzzle

[WILLIAM B LAWRENCE]

It seems to me that the problem isn't the seal per se, but the machined
surface on the differential flange. If it was damaged at some point maybe the
PO had it machined down to the next standard size to make it seal again. In
that case you have the option of using the flange you have and sourcing an
oversized (1.5") seal Or replacing the flange with a standard size and using a
stock seal.
Good luck.
Bill Lawrence

> Date: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:43:37 -0400
> From: tjmorrio at colby.edu
> To: Healeys at autox.team.net
> Subject: [Healeys] Pinion seal puzzle
>
> Hello list folks. This is my first post. I9ve been reading the list for
> about a month and and I9m really glad to have you as a resource.
>
> I9m working on a BJ8 restoration (had a 100-6 in college about 45 years
ago)
> and a knowledgeable machinist/restorer is helping me out with it. He9s
> working on the rear axle  and has run into this problem. He says:
>
> 3I have been working on your rear axle and have run into a problem.  I have
> assembled the pinion shaft and adjusted the bearings with shims.  I am
> having problems with the pinion seal.  The new seal that I received is too
> small on the I.D..  A second seal arrived and it was also too small.  I
> called another supplier and had them measure the seal and it was just like
> the other 2 that I had received.  The new seals have an I.D. of approx.
> 1.350" and the old seal is 1.500".  I checked the seals out of both rear
> axles that you left here and they are identical at 1.500" I.D..  All the
> suppliers that I have talked to say that all of the Healey axles use the
> same seal (the one that they sent) and there is no other option and they
> have sold hundreds without any problems.  I will continue to solve this
> problem and may need to purchase a seal by dimensions t fit your axle.  Let
> me know if you have any thoughts on this issue.  I am sure that I am not
the
> only one to have had this problem.2
>
> A Healey person who has provided parts, moral support, and advice said:
>
> 3My only thought would be that the rear end in your car was swapped out at
> some point. Many times an owner would put a rear end out of an Austin
> Princess in their car to get a higher ratio. I think the best solution
would
> be to order a seal from a speciality bearing supplier by dimensions.
> Good Luck With This One.2
>
> I9m thinking that it9s unlikely that both rear axles were swapped out and
> have 1.500 ID seals.
> Any thoughts about what to do would be appreciated.
>
> Tom M
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