The beauty of being a member of the BCCCB or any club for that matter is the availability of information that is shared amongst it members to help members understand their cars. The purpose of this seminar is to show some members, areas that require service before there is a drastic mechanical failure due to either lack of maintenance or just not knowing what to watch for. Julian, on a Cabot Trail drive lost his rear-end due to gear oil loss and in this seminar we'll will discuss a little rubber seal called a pinion seal that sits in the rear-end, how to know if there is a problem in this area, or in other seals in the drive train, and how to top up the fluid in the transmission, rear-end and grease the front spindle.

Years of working on these cars we all gather spare parts, today on display we had an extra rear-end, an extra transmission, a drive shaft, front spindle and a B engine. As all British car owners know, these cars a prone to leaks, the trick is not to ignore it, find out where it's coming from and determine how severe it is. Should it be repaired straight away or wait until the off season to have it fixed. If it's determined that it can wait, you'll have to continue to monitor and add fluid when needed, to avoid an expensive repair. Adding oil or grease is easy but if you don't know where to add it, how much, and what type of oil goes in where, then this is the seminar you want to attend because that is exactly what this is about.

Most will agree that the transmission and rear-end of most British cars are bullet proof, there is rarely an issue unless there is a loss of oil, below, Don explains exactly what to watch for in a B rear-end. It's great to have a rear-end set up on display for all to see rather then crawling under a car to see it, below you can see Don is telling about the oil track under the gear housing that is a true give away that the pinion seal is leaking. A leaky pinion seal is common and a cheap and easy fix, to ignore it or be unaware of a problem can lead to an expensive fix. Don showed the simplicity of the seal replacement and how to add the 90 grade gear oil until it's full, he also removed the rear gear housing cover for all to see the inner workings.

Below you see a B transmission and the fill plug is clearly seen on the side. Here is where you'll add the oil, the same type of oil that is in your engine. Filling is as simple as removing the plug and adding the oil. When the oil starts coming out of the fill hole... the transmission is full. There are a couple of spots where the transmission will lose it's oil,, the front input shaft seal or gasket, oil will be dripping from the cotter pin that is in the bell housing if there is a problem in this area. The rear output flange seal is another area where you may find a drip, this is a simple replacement that can be done in under an hour. the front input shaft seal will require the engine to be removed. Coffee anyone??? You heard of a box of wine, well as I found out today, many didn't know you could get a box of Tim Horton's Coffee or Tea. A ten cup box of coffee and Tea sat close to two containers of beer.... at the end of the day the coffee was gone and the beer was still there, so a box of coffee is more popular than beer ... who knew.

After we finished explaining the few things that were on the agenda we all mingled in the garage talking about the various areas of ones car that members were interested in. Bob Jardine brought his front callipers and front spindle because he wanted to be sure on a few items and this is what it's all about... just ask. Every time we throw one of these things together we all learn something. Truly, the point of these information sessions is to make you aware of your 30 to 50 years old car. Now not that we are picky but of your out for a BCCCB run, chances are if one of us see a problem with your car, we'll point it out, what you do after that is up to you. Fix it soon for a few bucks or later for a lot of bucks, not to mention the inconvenience of a tow job.

Thanks to Paula and her Mother Patricia for throwing together a very nice table of food. Potato salad, rolls, various cold meats, some veggies, chips and a few trays of sweets. If I was in control of the food, there would only be Tim Horton's coffee and tea, as well as donuts and timbits. Again Paula and Patricia.. thanks from me and from those who attended.  I am sure, all preferred this layout better than my idea

There you go.... A few dollars for oil and grease can save you hundreds of dollars on repairs. Out of sight, out of mind does not work on a British Car. I have to congratulate Susan English for her winning of the door prize, a mini grease gun. Knowing Susan and knowing she likes getting her hands dirty... mainly from soil, but I am sure she'll be under her B greasing up her King Pins in the spring.

Another great BCCCB outing

Thanks all for coming