Another Leaking Gearbox

[mblake4u]

Hi All,

I've just joined this forum and just got my first T25 too I got it about a month ago now, it's a 1984 1.9/2.1l (not sure because it's got a reconditioned engine).

I've been working my way through the list of things that need sorting and I started this weeked on the gearbox. Gear selection of 3/4 gears was horrible - if I got the engine speed just right I could change into these gears without too much of a clunk. My first thought was the synchromesh was gone, but I read that choosing the correct gear oil can make a big difference so I bought some 75W90 GL4/5 Fuchs semi-synthetic oil and I was going to put it today...

But I'd like to ask for some opinions on what I found.. The oil that came out was really dark with a copper-ish shine to it (it looks like it has minute flecks of copper in it that shine in the light). I also noticed that there might be a leak where the gear linkage goes into the gearbox, so I decided not to put the good oil in but rather some cheaper 75W80 GL5 for 2 reasons:

1. To flush out the old oil before putting in the good oil.
2. So I don't waste the good oil if I have to do some work on the gearbox (where the linkage goes in).

I've attached pics of the linkage - can anyone comment on the leak and what would be involved in fixing it? Also, what do you think of the old oil that came out?

Many thanks,
Michael

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[Aidan]

at that level the oil weepage is minimal, oil seal is replaceable in situ, available from Brickwerks, bronze coloured oil drained is generally the wrong type of GL5 with synchro ring brass in it, hence the poor gear selection due probably to worn synchro rings due to wrong oil, grey in suspension is generally bearings/oil thrower, silver flake shiney is case wear, top gear usually wearing into case due to shaft out of allignment/worn bearing, black is heat cycled or in suspension is molyslipped or similar oil treatment

[mblake4u]

Hi Aiden,

Thanks for your reply. I suspected the wrong oil had been put in some in the past. It's a little better with the new oil and I'll put the good stuff in asap.

Cheers,
Michael

[mblake4u]

Well the new oil has made a huge difference and if I get the revs right for 3rd and 4th then I can change into them without any noise or grinding.

Thanks, Michael

[croc]

Hi Michael
If I may comment!
Things that are worn/broke generally don't repair themselves. From Aidan's comments it would indicate syncho ring wear is what has happened.
You mentioned in your post that you have refilled with a 'cheap' GL5 oil, from Aidan's comments that grade, GL5, may be the cause of the problem.
IMHO if you keep driving with worn synchro rings you will eventually do more, read expensive, damage.
Aside, I changed to 75W/90 GL4/GL5 semi with 5 speed box and noticed an improvement in gearchanges, especially with cold gearbox, first change.
Bottom line, I would suggest fix gearbox now and enjoy your excellent, fun van next season!!
All the best.
jon

[CovKid]

The RIGHT oil isn't expensive. Wilko do it believe it or not at under £3 a bottle. Oddly its the only gear oil they do.....

[mblake4u]

Sorry guys - re-reading my posts I realise I never mentioned I drained the cheap oil and put the good stuff in (the cheap oil was just to drain any leftover crud in the gearbox).

A recon gearbox would be lovely.. but 2 problems - finding a reputable place in Cape Town (good luck) and the expense.. If shipping was free (no duty) from the UK to SA, Aidan would probably be getting another customer.

You've no idea how much fun it's been trying to order parts here... what I've heard over and over:

"no we don't sell that"
"no we can't get that"
"sorry we don't have stock"
"I ordered it but they never delivered"
"I ordered it but the warehouse didn't have stock"
"I never ordered one of those"
"Sorry I ordered the wrong part"

and so on...

I really don't understand it!! It shouldn't really be that hard to find a replacement dizzy and coil..