Club 80-90 Forums

Recently had a look under my van to sort an oil leak from the gearbox...I found that a row of 4 small bolts on the gearbox (opposite 2 large ones) were very loose, so I tightened them up ... I could keep tightening, but I stopped before I caused any damage... This seems to have improved things but not had a long run since....

QUESTION - Is there a gasket between these 2 sections of gearbox or is it metal on metal? Any advice for getting a good seal??

A photo would help - I'll try to get one added here!!!

if you mean the four m8 case bolts 2 either side of the drain plug, that hold the bottom of the bellhousing to the main case then there should be a gasket between those sections and the bolts should only be tightened to 18 ft lb, that's spanner tight, if the case is corroded under the washers then you'll feel the case crumble under the washer as you tighten the bolts but real easy to go too far and strip the threads in the case in which case it's box out and bellhousing off and repair with Timesert ideally

Thanks Aidan, picture attached....

Sounds like my gasket id gone or not there - I'll have it looked at. Since tightening the oil leak is less but not fixed.. I guess to fix this I'll need to drain the oil, I've not heard of Timesert - is it some sort of filler/gasket??

Cheers

Heres a better picture.....................

I guess you've checked to see if there is any oil in the box. If not I personaly would'nt drive it again until you have.
Mine was leeking from gearbox front seal and when I took the plug out only about 500ml came out ! There should be 3litres in there! I consider myself lucky to have got away with that one!

Nope, haven't checked for amount of oil in the gearbox - I guess that big bolt in the middle is the gearbox drain plug...I assumed the oil would have been topped up when the engine was swapped but maybe not!! I'm getting it looked at on Tuesday before I take it for a long drive...Hope to sort the leak & make sure there plenty of oil there.

Thanks for the info!

Assume nowt and make sure they get the filler plug undone prior to draining..
mike

I had another look at the gearbox & coach bolts before my trip to Oxfordshire (Cropredy Festival ).

The gearbox needed about a pint to top it up and we gave the bolts a further tighten... It is better now, still a little oil wetness visible but only the occasional drop if any now....that'll do for me...No problems with our trip, van drove nicely with the new engine/exhaust/pushrods combo!!