tom, i would still stretch that spring, do you still have the old one? how does it compare to the new one? i would take the spring out and have someone hold the plunger in with a screw driver and start the tractor and watch the oil pressure. those front seals always leak a little. i think you can get a different type of seal that goes outside the cover were the dust velt goes. try korves oliver for that.  618-939-6681. my friend has been useing that type seal with good results,  but i'm not sure where he get it. chuck