Oil leak at bellhousing /block

johnbuckley

johnbuckley

Well-known member
New to Ts. have recently purchased a 1917 model. There is a sever oil leak that starts from the top of the joint between the bell housing and the block. What's the remedy? . Thanks.
 
That last one went thru. John, the seal between the back of the block and the transmission cover, called hogshead, is of a felt material and often leaks along with a number of other places. I suggest you read up on removal of the hogshead as there are three bands and a clutch fork that will need attention during removal and reinstallation. Also the pedal shafts probably could use sealing?? A quick fix might be cleaning up the leaking felt area with some type of degreaser and apply a generous amount of black silicone. The black will blend in better till you are ready to get serious and pull that cover.
The Model T does not have a "Bell Housing" as such, only a one piece oil pan.
 
The fix I like involves hooking one of your Mr. Dyson's vacuum cleaners to the oil fill and apply black silicone at the leak. It will be drawn into the gap.
Cheers,
Lee
 
Thanks, pedal shafts at present appear leak free(!). So I'll try a bodge with sealer. Read the books , is it a big job to get the transmission cover off, re-gasket with sealant etc and back in place? Does removal of the cover inevitably lead to needing to re-adjust bands ?
 
It`s not a big job, just takes a little wiggle an jiggle. And yes, you will need to re-adjust the bands which isn`t a big deal either. BE absolutly careful that nothing gets dropped down inside the ******. It would be a perfect time to install kevlar bands, its a once in a lifetime fix. Take your time an get a book or two.
 
Monte, kevlar is great in some respects, but you are too optimistic on its life-span. I would suggest just lifting the hogshead enough to add some sealant and use the car a bit. since it is "new" to the owner so getting used to its quirks and needs before attempting tear-down might be wise. I had a pain replacing my hogshead. I think it had something to do with wearing bifocals! Note: a good place for a leak is also the starter bendix cover.
 
I learned early on that dealing with hogsheads, replacing bands, leaky felts and such is so much easier if you just pop the engine out and have it on a stand. It only takes an hour coming out and another going back in and it sure beats working with your body wedged through the little passenger door opening of that cramped body tub, on top of having the running boards being in the way to boot. It also gives you a real good look at things and lets you do a major engine cleanup before it goes back in. I have run kevlar but I still prefer the cotton band linings which will last a long time if driven properly.
 
Easy Fix, I have the same problem with my 1913 T, Just use cheap clear seaalicone and rub it between the crack. Mine has held up for 8 years and after 3 big tours.
 
my experience has been that felt tend to wick oil and leaks bad ive had better luck using cork gasket material 1/8x 3/4 glued to the block and a thin coat of rtv on the hoghead for assmbly.
 
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