[TR] TR3 New Rear Main Seal Leaking

[J.C. Hassall]

At 01:59 AM 7/4/2009, bill_beecher at flash.net wrote:
>Hello List,
>
>Well I have now put 100 miles on the new engine, it runs great, but I think
>I am actually leaking more oil than before the rebuild.  I know, they are
>supposed to leak some, it a British right of passage, but I went so far as
>to grind the crank to the fit the $150. 'new-and-improved' seal from Moss
>that is supposed to resolved much of this problem.  After parking the car
>from  a 30min drive I see a 5" dia puddle under the engine at the rear.

Bill, before I installed my Moss (I believe this is not a 
vendor-specific issue) seal I was fortunate to have a very 
informative discussion with Jack Drews, who suggested shortening the 
spring to 8.25 inches.  I also drilled the rear main cap for 2 
additional drain holes (this only drains oil from the seal, not the 
bearings).  I've been fortunate and have had no leaks (this email is 
probably the jinx, however).

>
>Is there a break-in period that I should be aware of?  I intend to change
>the break-in oil at 200 miles, will this make a difference?  Can I pull the
>pan to inspect the seal without pulling the engine/trans to do it?  If so,
>what should I be looking for?

I doubt if additional running will make it any better, but it won't 
hurt to try.  If I were you, I'd pull the engine.  Not a pleasant 
prospect, but removing the rear main cap is challenging enough with 
the engine on a stand.  And don't even think about squishing the felt 
strips back into the cap groves while working over your head.

This probably isn't what you wanted to hear.  Sorry.

jim

>
>Thanks to all in advance...
>
>Bill Beecher
>'58 TR-3A TS/30766 L (On the road in 2009!)
>"A Triumph is man's best friend, it always comes when it is called...of
>course, some times it is difficult to make it go"
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--
J.C. Hassall
Blacksburg VA
'63 TR4 in autox preparation
98.9% finished, 90% to go