5 replies to this topic

[cobblers]

I've got a pre-a+ 1275 block, and when refitting the gearbox I had a lot of trouble getting the thing to sit right. I bought a minispares gearbox and block seal kit (both came with this seal, both seals seemed too big by a about 1/4".

Also, which way should it face? is it best to fit it to the box or the block?

In the end I just reused the old seal (it was in good condition) and guessed at which way it should fit. It doesn't seem to leak, but the engine is coming out again so I might as well get it right this time!

Edited by cobblers, 02 December 2009 - 01:33 PM.

[Cooperman]

They are meant to be a bit longer than seems right to allow for squashing when the engine is lowered onto the block.
This seal shaould be fitted with the flanged edge to the outside, otherwise it could fall into the gearbox when the engine is lowered onto it. The flanged edge is then trapped between the gearbox and the engine front plate. After fitting the engine to the box loox up at the seal using a small torch to make suer it hasn't slipped during lowering. If it does slip you get a rather big oil leak (been there, done that!). Use a bit of silicone sealant to ensue no leaks.

[cobblers]

They are meant to be a bit longer than seems right to allow for squashing when the engine is lowered onto the block.
This seal shaould be fitted with the flanged edge to the outside, otherwise it could fall into the gearbox when the engine is lowered onto it. The flanged edge is then trapped between the gearbox and the engine front plate. After fitting the engine to the box loox up at the seal using a small torch to make suer it hasn't slipped during lowering. If it does slip you get a rather big oil leak (been there, done that!). Use a bit of silicone sealant to ensue no leaks.

Thanks for that, that's how I fitted it in the end (I think!)
I figured it was oversized for squash, but every time I put it on, the engine sat about 4mm off the box and the dowels didn't want to line up, so I figured perhaps the a and a+ main caps were sized differently or something.

Saying that, I was on my own and lifting the full engine onto the box by hand so it was tricky to get it lined up perfectly! This time I'll have some help, a warm workshop and a crane to help!

[Ouster]

I can vouch for the big leak! This happened on a long journey


If you have the genuine, hard seal you can fit it with the gearbox and block attached. But then it's nigh impossible to find a hard seal.

[cobblers]

Aaaaah, It's obvious now I see it! I made the mistake of putting the timing kit on first, and the backplate covered it all.

[Cooperman]

I always fit the backplate before assembling block onto box. However, after fitting the seal onto the gearbox with a bit of RTV sealant, I lightly grease the front face of the seal to allow the front plate to slide across it. that works every time, especially if the RTV has had a few hours to start to go hard. You do need 2 people really, although I do it by myself quite often and it works most of the time. Just take it very slowly.