🚗 Classic Fault — Triumph FK/FM (1962–1980)
Triumph Spitfire Herald engine oil leak from rear main seal
💰 Estimated Repair Cost
$30 – $200 GBP
Parts and labour estimate
🔧 Tools Required
Engine removal tools, rear main seal
📋 Overview
The 1147cc and 1296cc Herald/Spitfire engine leaks from the rear main seal — a rope seal design that is difficult to seal permanently.
🩺 Symptoms
- Oil dripping from bell housing area
- oil on clutch causing slip
- oil consumption
🔍 Possible Causes
- Worn rope rear main seal
- worn crankshaft journal
- overpressure from blocked breather
🛠️ Diagnosis Steps
Check PCV breather is not blocked first — overpressure forces oil past rope seal.
✅ Most Confirmed Fix
Rear main seal replacement — consider lip seal conversion
72% of users confirm this fix worked (16 reports)
🔗 Other Triumph FK/FM Faults
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