Thread: clutch release mechanism S11A (late)

Problem prior to stripping my S11A (Late 71 -headlights in guards), was that the clutch was very harsh (shuddering etc). It has the sealed type of thrust bearing sleeve, therefor no screw thread on the input shaft. However I noticed that the sleeve is a very loose fit over the input shaft, approx 2.5mm on either side, giving a total of about 5mm clearence. There appears no form of seal to prevent the oil escaping from the gearbox out along the input shaft (this was causing the original problem as the clutch plate was covered in oil). There was some pieces of very hard cracked rubber in a grove about 15mm from the inside front of the sleeve, but there is no part indicated in the parts manual for a seal or O ring. I doubt if a new O ring could seal the large gap anyway, does anyone know how the oil is meant to be prevented from escaping between the sleeve and the input shaft?
Thanks in advance for any advise or help.
Andy

Thanks John, I checked the front shaft visible after taking the clutch mechanism housing off, the front bearing and the locking nut are visible, but no sign of a seal or space for one. Got me tricked unless there is meant to be a seal inside the front of the throwout sleeve. There is a small recess there but hardly big enough for a seal. I will have to investigate further.
Thanks,
Andy