Transmission front seal

[EdCallo]

Took car apart to replace clutch. Front seal on transmission is leaking a little. Can I remove the bell housing and replace the seal without taking the transmission apart. I am thinking so, but figured I would ask.

Ed

[Steve Simmons]

Yes, the 8 bolts inside the housing hold it to the front of the gearbox case. There may be sealer between that and the case, depending on what the last guy to install it did. Sometimes it's a gasket, sometimes metal to metal. Whatever is there, I'd just put it back how it was because the bearing (hopefully) was already shimmed for pinch.

[ROGER FURNEAUX]

hi Ed - as Steve says, you only need to remove the bell housing to change the seal. An important point is to only use the original type of steel-cased leather seal, Payen B128 (=NA50344), and NOT any modern equiv. with rubber, which will not last long! In fact the originals will almost last for ever. They are a special size (1-3/16" x 1-13/16" x 7/16")

I have a small number of these (NOS: they are being re-made but of course cost more!)

Roger

[EdCallo]

Well as mine is leaking, it most be a modern one in there now.

Funny thing is I took it about as rear of engine is leaking and I expected to see the clutch etc. covered in oil. But is was all really clean. Guess all the oil just runs out the hole with the cotter pin

[EdCallo]

Put the new seal in over the weekend, Was easier then I though as having never taken a bellhouse off the the trans in over 40 years working on TC's didn't know the seal was in the bellhousing, Which means I put sealant between the bell housing and transmission as seal only prevents oil from getting in the bellhousing and the surfaces of the trans and bellhousing were not smooth enough for a leak tight seal.

Ed