[Bernie]

Yes Joe, you are correct in what you say. I was just stating my experience and attitude. Everyone can decide for themselves what to do.

Further, the impact of stronger blows on installation, as opposed to a light tap, tap, tap can cause the spring to leave its groove, look at Al’s picture. Not much holds it in place.

You bring up other things that can contribute. I assume there is a tailshaft bearing/sleeve to keep the output shaft running concentric. If a leak at the original seal was a/the problem and the bearing/sleeve was not checked, the output shaft could be moving beyond the design limits causing the seal lip to distort and therby alowing the spring to jump out of its retaining groove. (I am implying that a leak might not be the seals fault)

Additionally there could be an issue with a worn U joint. ( you know movement excess to the design limits) This is all conjecture. The only one that knows the real situation had his hands on it.

Remember the old saying, ” a component or tool failure is the fault of the last person to touch it “

JIM