Austin Healey Sprite/Midget 948cc Oil Seal Front Cover

This modified gearbox front cover fits Austin Healey Sprite and MG Midget models with the 948cc smoothcase gearbox. It replaces the original scroll-type oil control arrangement with a fitted oil seal, helping reduce gearbox oil entering the bellhousing and contaminating the clutch.

It also fits Austin A30 and Morris Minor models retaining the original 803cc smoothcase gearbox.

Features

• Modified front cover for the specified 803cc and 948cc smoothcase gearboxes
• Oil seal installed in place of the original scroll-type arrangement
• Helps reduce gearbox oil passing into the bellhousing
• Supplied as one modified gearbox front cover with oil seal
• Replacement front-cover gasket XGBX161 is required and sold separately

Why use an oil seal conversion?

The original scroll arrangement can become less effective as the gearbox components wear, allowing oil to pass forwards into the bellhousing and reach the clutch. The fitted oil seal provides a more direct sealing arrangement around the first-motion shaft.

The cover is supplied already modified, so the car’s existing front cover does not need to be machined for the conversion.

Installation details

• Fits at the front of the gearbox around the first-motion shaft
• The engine and gearbox must be separated to access the front cover
• Inspect the shaft sealing surface, front bearing and gasket face before installation
• Fit with a new XGBX161 front-cover gasket, which is not included and should be ordered separately
• If oil has entered the bellhousing, inspect the clutch plate and cover assembly before refitting

Vehicle application

• Austin Healey Sprite MK1 Frogeye with 948cc smoothcase gearbox
• Austin Healey Sprite MK2 with 948cc smoothcase gearbox
• MG Midget MK1 with 948cc smoothcase gearbox
• Austin A30 with original 803cc smoothcase gearbox
• Morris Minor with original 803cc smoothcase gearbox

Not suitable for 1098cc or 1275cc ribcase gearboxes. Check the gearbox type before ordering, particularly where a later replacement gearbox may have been installed.