Ron,
My engine leak is in the rear seal area. I'm expecting to just replace the seal, not the race. I'll try to discuss this with a Kubota dealer. I'd like to get a copy of their service manual or section of it to better avoid problems with a replacement rear seal.
Do you recall why your replacement rear oil seal did not seat? I'm assuming it is pressed into the bearing case cover and slips over the race.
Ron Hill..........." It's ironic, but the same thing happened to me (spoiling my fall cruise this past year). Pulled the engine, fixed the seal, reinstalled the engine and it leaked again! In my case it was also the rear seal. As I recall that seal is about $30(from Kubota), but a GIANT pain to get to it. My first seal had a 1 " tear in the lip. The second problem was that the replacement seal did not remain sealed and was coming out (not seated) on the starboard side. I'd guess that it was just a matter of time till it would have popped completely out.
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4407.msg25716.html#msg25716Thanks