Ford 555 TLB transmission oil seal failure

[ken1973]

I am in South Africa and own a 555tlb - I believe its circa '75. Its the two wheel drive with the four speed auto reversing transmission. The transmission oil seal failed and the agents only have two in stock in the country and needed two days to get me one so I went to a reputable bearing and seal place and with the pump housing and torque converter and they provided me with a seal - double lipped and better than silicon.
That seal lasted all of fifteen minutes. When I got it apart the outer lip seal was broken/torn in two places. The torque converter has two engagement lugs that were both slightly sharp and i assumed I had damaged the seal during installation. I filed and polished the lugs and in went seal number two with much more care. That has lasted all of forty five minutes with the same failure - only this time in just one place.
I have come to the conclusion the seal is the wrong size. Can anyone tell me whether they have heard of a similar failure if a seal is too small/incorrectly sized? Its as if the outer lip is being inverted and tearing. The original seal totally failed to the extent the spring came off the seal, but in the five years I have had the machine this is the first time with this problem
Finally, can anyone tell me whether there is a welsch plug located behind the engine flywheel - three cylinder perkins.
thanks

 

[Kevc]

Hey, had 555 in workshop last week with seal failure, the torque converter mounting plate had hairline cracks causing converter to vibrate ripping the seal. Unfortunately I'd to replace trans pump also because converter had also damaged bronze bush and pump housing.

 

[ken1973]

On getting her apart for the third time I removed the seal and put the TQ back on the pump and the problem became obvious - the bushes in the pump are totalled. One even turns out to have chunks missing! Off to see if the local engineering workshop can machine some new ones - I know I should replace the whole pump but being a bit poor this may be second best. Hope this helps someone else out in the future.
Ken

 

[TractorTech]

The shuttle pump is very common in many brands of machines being it is a Borg Warner. Should be able to replace without special machining. Automotive parts store might even be able to help. Ford New Holland pn: D0NN7B261A
Also, if it is that old, chances are good that the converter plate is cracked and that is what caused the bushing to wipe out. Check for cracks and install a reinforcing ring, pn: E2NN7N890AA if it doesn't have one.
Engine is a Ford 3 cylinder. Replace the 3 freeze plugs on the back of the engine while you have apart.