A few questions for the T16 experts out there.

[andrew honychurch]

Originally Posted by Tony Smith

Does the seal surface on the Pinion have spiral groove to encourage oil back into the diff under normal rotation, but tend to drive it out past the seal in your reverse rotation application?

This feature appears on various Ford shafts, bushes and seal surfaces from the 40's, but is more usually seen with felt seals than leather.

I would have thought that you are on the right track here. I cannot believe that the T16 diff is set up to run backwards all the time. I didnt strip my rear axle right down as David did so he will be best to answer this, but I feel sure it won't be designed to run like this and the oil cooler may not be working correctly as a result.

edit, or of course the oil bathed brake bands for steering. these work by not grabbing and sticking on the hub ( much like a Jeep handbrake early type) and literally drop cooled oil on the bands. If the pump doesn't work in reverse you will be getting seriously hot oil in the diff etc etc