Rear Crankshaft Oil Seal?

[Owen1971P6B]

I have recently done a top end rebuild on my 1971 P6 and once it had been running a while - I noticed that there was some oil leaking out from the semi-circular plate behind the sump, which gives access to the flywheel. I suspect that the rear crankshaft oil seal is leaking. I think a 1971 car would be fitted with the rope type seal, which is prone to leaking when the car has not been run for a time, as it dries out.

As this is the flywheel area - am I right in thinking that there should not be much engine oil in this area - as the other suggestion I thought of was that this plate should have a gasket fitted - which I thought unlikely - to stop any oil leaks.

How easy is the oil seal to do? Can this job be done by removing the gearbox and flywheel - and working with the engine in the car - or would the engine need to come out?

 

[Beaser]

I would say it could be done in situ with the gearbox removed. Don't know the make up of the seal though. Should be reasonably easy however. Good luck.

 

[The Rovering Member]

We used Bedford TK seals which are also rope but pre-formed unlike the Rover items at the time we restored my P5B which was 14 years ago. If you can get them they're far easier to fit, especially if you're working with the engine in-situ.

 

[02GF74]

As this is the flywheel area - am I right in thinking that there should not be much engine oil in this area - as the other suggestion I thought of was that this plate should have a gasket fitted - which I thought unlikely - to stop any oil leaks.

there is a choice
a) leak oil, still be able to drvie but need to top oil up once ina while
b) have oil contaminate clutch plates so you cannot drive

haynes manual says apply gasket sealant when fitting the flywheel cover plate so who knows if it is meant to be 100% oil tight.

if it is serious, then fit new seal or just top up with oil until it requires doing.