Seals in McCormick #27V

Hey Guys,
I realize this would normally be more of an implement topic, however, since there seems to be more traffic on this forum, and this is where I tend to hang my hat, I figured on giving you guys the first crack at my problem.

Last year, TractorSam and I hauled a rather ratty though all-there 7' cut #27V out of the woods. Didn't get to use it last year, but this spring, as soon as the ground was firm enough, it was extracted for paint and general repairs. As I got into it, I found fewer problems than expected. Thel only remaining hurdle is the lift linkage, and I think I have an idea for that one. Im not doing a great restoration, mainly because time and money won't permit that right now...so Its getting a Rustcoat paintjob and a good going over. It'll work, look decent, and the paint will at least slow the progress of rust.

Anywho...As I went to put some parts back together, I filled the lower 'gearbox' full of oil. It promptly started leaking out of the seal between the gearbox and the back of the pitman shaft drive pulley. The gearbox was dry when I bought the tractor. Sam wagers that, while seals are available, this one may just be dry and need to soften back up again, so he suggested I fill the gear box, and run the mower for a while to see if the leak stops.

I only ask on here to see if there are any other methods for stopping the leak...sort of a stop-leak fluid for gearbox seals, sort of like whats made for radiators. Beyond that, does anyone think the run it and refill it method would work? Opinions, thoughts or suggestions, anyone?

Thanks in advance!
Cheers,
AR

Replace the seal. The old seal likely has a leather lip and is dried up and worn out. You can try using a heavy gear oil too. Also, the compartment should not be filled completely full, just to the bottom of the shaft.

Send me your e-mail address & I can scan some images of how to hook up the hydraulic lift for your #27 mower.

Kirk,
The IH Manual I have for the mower suggests that I should use a half-pint (aka about a cup) of 90-weight, which fills the gearbox all the way to the top. Are you suggesting that I should use less than that based on any specific logic? Not that I doubt you, I just wonder what your thinking behind it is.

Wayne,
I have the IH manual for hooking up the mower to various tractors, included in the list is the C. Im modifying that theory a bit for the Super-C. Im going to use a steel cable hooked to the right side rockshaft, and hooked back somewhere on the pivot, by way of a couple rollers/pulleys. The issue I have is that, since the mower was originally bought/used on an Allis WD, the linkage included wasn't exactly what was called for with the Super-C, though I think I can make it work.

Anyone else?
Cheers,
AR