Mystery leak and bracket

Jay Zollinger · 04-07-2006, 08:59 PM

What is this bracket? it is on the left side of the case of my '73, just behind and to the right of the cam housing. It also appears to be leaking oil from around the nut.

Is there a fix for this? Can I just take the nut off and replace it with a new nylock nut, or is it holding something important onto the other side? A PO apparently tried to seal the base of the nut with a caulk like substance--to no avail. Can I get rid of the bracket?

(Sorry for the blurry photos).

Jay Zollinger · 04-08-2006, 04:56 PM

Anyone? Do I need to post clearer pictures?

Jim Sims · 04-08-2006, 07:12 PM

Given the fuzziness of the images it took me a few minutes to figure out what we are seeing. The nut in question engages a stud in the case and clamps the driver's side chain housing lower flange to the case. Looking through my 72-73 illustrated factory parts catalogs fails to show any similar bracket. The bracket appears "homemade" and given your report of "caulk", the area is suspect. The bracket looks to be some type of brace; perhaps the flange was cracked or the stud was beginning to pull. Normally one could remove the nut and replace it without any issues. However you may want to proceed with caution. Is there any chance the "caulk" is actually a filled epoxy (such as JB Weld) repair? Good luck. Jim Sims

Jay Zollinger · 04-09-2006, 09:39 AM

Thanks, Jim. That makes a lot of sense. The caulk could be JB Weld, but it is on the outside of the nut, around the base, not underneath the bracket, so it looks to me as if someone was trying to stop the leak around the nut, rather than fill a crack in the flange.