Gear Box leaks
I HATE gear box issues..
I ALLways tell the customer I'm not covering oil leaks, just to get'em switched to belt drive
I ALLways avoid things that are unreliable.
they were the most reliable component in the industry when they first came out 30 years ago..
since then, it seems tolerances are off, or the oil seals went to a cheaper material,
or something..
I refuse to use 'em over 16hp, and I recommend'em at 14hp MAX.
the only trouble I have had with 'em is oil leaks.
Honestly, I think the only difference between reliable and UNreliable
is using a Viton seal instead of a N-Buna standard seal.
I'm tempted to special-order some just to rescue a few "test-subjects"
..A more compact configuration is always ideal.
About Paul's suggestion to use silicone seal..
"Monkey-grip contact cement" (found with the tire-plugs at the auto-parts store) is even better,
but either is fine,
if you METICULOUSLY clean the surfaces with alcohol.
Do it RIGHT ONCE, and "repeat" nightmares go away.