What have you done today with your Austin Seven

[Reckless Rat]

I repaired the nosecone of my 33 car after a mishap - I dropped the engine when the lifting mechanism failed and the casting broke. While it was off the car a very nice welder chappie reformed the stops for the starting shaft, and I bored the housing out to 1" and machined a sleeve for the shaft, maching two 'O' ring grooves in it. It has done the trick. Perhaps the later nosecones are more susceptible due to there being more oil being able to collect in there, despite the drain hole, and of course wear.

A good rule is not to park a later car facing downhill...