Transmission / Overdrive: T86 shift lever oil seals

[rew]

How do I change the shift lever oil seals for the T86 trans? Can I do it without removing the shift forks and shafts?
Thanks!! again

[52-fan]

I have been looking at my shop manual and it only mentions installing new seals while reassembling the trans. I am thinking of resealing my T86 transmission and it may have to come all the way apart. Hopefully, one of the forum regulars who has done this a few times will chime in with the details.

[gordr]

They are a regular metal-cased lip-type oil seal. Given that the exterior shift levers are bolted onto the shafts, and that no part of the shaft end exceeds the nominal diameter of the shaft, you can change them. Get a small sharp probe like an ice pick, and drive it into the face of the seal, being careful not to nick the shaft, then lever it out. Apply a little grease to the new seal and shaft, and drive it into place with a suitable piece of tubing, perhaps a deep socket.

Having said this, it's my observation that the shift lever shaft seals are rarely going to cause major leaks. They are above the static oil level, and there is little motion on those shafts to wear the seals out. Most likely leak points are gasketed joints, rear seal, speedo pinion adapter, and overdrive components, where present.

[Flashback]

Mine leaked and I replaced them, like Gord said, without removing the shift fork shafts. Just remove the levers, CLEAN AREA AROUND shafts, and use a awl to remove the old seals. Then CLEAN THE AREA where the seal goes in. Use a little thin coat of sealer on the outside metal part and use something like a deep well socket of the appropriate size, to reinstall seal. Did I mention CLEAN??

Quick note: Be sure the trans is not overfull before you start.

[Jerry Forrester]

Here's what I use. A remover and an installer.

https://s.yimg.com/fz/api/res/1.2/ZiYGFyv5OZV0Lx_GLwM8dg--/YXBwaWQ9c3JjaGRkO2g9NDAwO3E9OTU7dz00MDA-/http://www.matcotools.com/ProductImages/MST9648.jpg

[52-fan]

Good to know. I have not delved into transmissions much

[rew]

Great information, thanks for all the input!!

[Mmcghee1024]

Where did you get the seals? Any idea of part number?

[Skybolt]

http://m.oreillyauto.com/mt/www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/BCA0/340797/03288.oap?year=1960&make=Studebaker&model=Lark&vi=5152546&ck=Search_transmission+shift+shafts+seal_C0071_5152546_3037&keyword=transmission+shift+shafts+seal&pt=C0071&ppt=C0338

This is just an example as many parts stores and Studebaker vendors have them.

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/BCA0/340797.oap?ck=Search_340797_-1_3037&keyword=340797#compatibilityTab_

Len

[Mmcghee1024]

Great!! Thanks. All three are the same size right?

[Skybolt]

Great!! Thanks. All three are the same size right?

There compatibility tab will tell you if it fits your application. They all refer to the same part number. These are one of the easiest parts to find as Borg Warner transmissions were used in hundreds of different models and many makes of cars over the years.

Yes, they are the same size if you want to replace the manual transmission shift shafts seals. There are two. 1st and reverse, 2nd and 3rd? Three seals, all shift shaft???

Same for t86,t90, t96 but I don't think they fit a t89.

Len

[Mmcghee1024]

There compatibility tab will tell you if it fits your application. They all refer to the same part number. These are one of the easiest parts to find as Borg Warner transmissions were used in hundreds of different models and many makes of cars over the years.

Yes, they are the same size if you want to replace the manual transmission shift shafts seals. There are two. 1st and reverse, 2nd and 3rd? Three seals, all shift shaft???

Same for t86,t90, t96 but I don't think they fit a t89.

Len

I looked at the compatibility, nothing under 1940 commander....like you said it's probably the same for different years, just not sure what years.....

thanks,
mike

[Skybolt]

I looked at the compatibility, nothing under 1940 commander....like you said it's probably the same for different years, just not sure what years.....

thanks,
mike

Probably they don't list cars that old. If it is a t86 and the same as other Studebaker t86 transmissions then the Studebaker part number will be 674869. If that is the part number for your application then it is the same for the other models.

If you don't already get a hold of a chassis parts book for your car. It makes working on them much easier if you need to find parts or see how it is assembled via the diagrams. Also, using the Studebaker part number one can cross reference other Studebaker models for sourcing parts.

Len

[Mmcghee1024]

Probably they don't list cars that old. If it is a t86 and the same as other Studebaker t86 transmissions then the Studebaker part number will be 674869. If that is the part number for your application then it is the same for the other models.

If you don't already get a hold of a chassis parts book for your car. It makes working on them much easier if you need to find parts or see how it is assembled via the diagrams. Also, using the Studebaker part number one can cross reference other Studebaker models for sourcing parts.

Len

Thanks Len!!

[Mmcghee1024]

Probably they don't list cars that old. If it is a t86 and the same as other Studebaker t86 transmissions then the Studebaker part number will be 674869. If that is the part number for your application then it is the same for the other models.

If you don't already get a hold of a chassis parts book for your car. It makes working on them much easier if you need to find parts or see how it is assembled via the diagrams. Also, using the Studebaker part number one can cross reference other Studebaker models for sourcing parts.

Len

Ive tried that part number for the seals, they are too big....any ideas