May 7 2003 - Today I changed out the original felt
seal (which is prone to leak) for a modern seal. The parts are available from
Bench Mark Works. What is required to be done is to put a speedi-sleeve on the
flywheel nose. This covers the groove (see red box) that originally rode in the
felt seal of the rear carrier. The original cover for the rear-bearing carrier
is not used in this case. The photo shows the flywheel with its oil carrying
grooves
This photo shows the grooves filled in with JB Weld.
This will seal the surface below the sleeve from a sneak oil leak path.
Next the speedi sleeve is placed on the top of the
flywheel
Using the small installing tool the sleeve is tapped
down with a rubber mallet until the sleeve is all the way on the shaft. Note:
it does not go all the way down to the flywheel. I tapped it down until it is
just past being flush with the end of the shaft.
The photo shows the rear carrier placed on the
flywheel to give you an idea of the clearance from the rear lip of the sleeve
to the rear carrier (plenty)
The photo shows the parts of the rear carrier. The
new bearing has already been installed. Installation was simple. Just heated up
the rear carrier with a torch and dropped the bearing in. On the left you see a
splash shield and the new rear seal. On the right you see the large washer that
originally was on the top of the bearing and the new bearing in the carrier
Note: these steps would normally occur after you have
the rear bearing and carrier press into place on the rear of the crankshaft. I
am showing the assembly process for info. Now the splash shield is installed
with the inner shoulder down. The shoulder rests on the center of the bearing
and as the bearing turns the outer portion should have no contact with the race
Next, the original washer is placed on the center of
the splashguard.
Next the new oil seal is tapped into the rear carrier
until it is flush with the top. The splashguard can move around but will be
pinned into place when the flywheel is installed.