Gearbox is leaking (I think).

[WorAl]

OK just had a rebuild of the gearbox in the Cerb and there is a leak coming from where the gearbox mounts onto the bell housing. However I have ran tests to see if the clutch is losing fluid and it isn't (the dripping oil doesn't even smell like the clutch oil anyway).

Filled the reservoir up to little marker, ran it for about 100 miles using clutch quite a bit, got back, the oil was dripping about 1-2ml every 5 seconds (so presuming it done that on the run) and there was exactly the same left in the reservoir, if not, slightly more actually.

Now my problem is that it is only happening when the gearbox is being used and for a short period after when the car is still, then the leaking desists. Is there some sort of relief valve system on the T5 (that is what I have on the car, right?) to enable it to ditch the oil if it is over filled? as the characteristics seem to suggest this is what's happening. i.e. only leaking fluid when under pressure.

Any ideas?

[itiejim]

Gear oil has a very specific smell that you really can't confuse with engine oil - it's also quite a strong smell if that helps! Can't comment on the flavour I'm afraid

If it's coming from the front of the box where it meets the bell housing, then it can only really be the front oil seal. The T5 box doesn't have any gaskets in it at all. If you are getting oil in there you need to consider getting it sorted fairly promptly before you end up with oil impregnated clutch plates.

[WorAl]

Oh feck, arse, girls, it's definitely not engine oil and definitely not clutch oil, it seems to have an alcoholic/hops kind of smell, pretty strong, not like the clutch fluid which is sweet.

Definitely coming from the front of the gearbox where it meets the bell housing.

Well, looks like it needs sorted again then just glad it's not my slave that's leaking, seems to be problem solved.

How's the rebuild gone anyway? car back on road now? Sorry I wasn't of any assistance at the time

[WorAl]

Anyone else have any ideas?

[Allandwf]

Not something daft like screenwash?

[WorAl]

Allandwf said:

Not something daft like screenwash?

Unfortunately not, definitely coming from gearbox area and hasn't evaporated in 3 days.

[peteA]

Sorry to hear of your problems Al...think I would be sending it back to Blackpool.

If its gearbox oil and its leaking from the bell housing I would think its coming from the front gearbox oil seal (inside the bell housing). I would have expected the oil seal to be replaced when your box was rebuilt? Maybe it wasnt flush or sat properly or maybe it was damaged or knocked when the box went back in?

The leak could come from elsewhere...the rear seal or the speedo output shaft (not used on TVR's?) but I doubt it because the oil normally tracks rearwards meaning it would not be at the bell housing.

Another alternative is that engine oil is leaking back into the bell housing - I would like to think this was replaced too? Maybe not as I think this would involve removing the clutch and yours was OK? Plus, if this was happening your clutch plates would probably have been contaminated and started to slip by now?

or...its your clutch (again)...hopefully not.

Problem with this type of thing is you normally have to take things apart to find out.

See this for an idea of the T5 box and the oily bits...

http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2005/12/T5Rebui...

Hope you get it sorted

Pete

[itiejim]

WorAl said:

.....
Definitely coming from the front of the gearbox where it meets the bell housing.
.....
How's the rebuild gone anyway? car back on road now? Sorry I wasn't of any assistance at the time

Rebuild went fine (eventually), back on the road now, though I did have to whip the box out this morning to re-seal the rear crank oil seal housing as it was leaking - all sorted now though

To give you an idea, I managed to get the box out and the bell housing, clutch and flywheel off in 2 hours 10 minutes, so it isn't too bad a job even if it's just to have a look. You wouldn't need the bell housing, clutch and fly off, so probably 1/2 less or so.

[WorAl]

Cheers for that Pete, car is going back down on Thursday so hopefully will get sorted and back in time to go on hols in. 90% sure it's not engine oil and 100% sure it's not clutch fluid, unless it topped itself up

Bit annoyed, but hopefully will get sorted soon.

Glad everything went ok Jim. how did you get box out? on jack and axle stands or do you have a lift?

[itiejim]

WorAl said:

Glad everything went ok Jim. how did you get box out? on jack and axle stands or do you have a lift?

Just put the front of the car on axle stands and used a pair or arms to lift the box out. You've always got your face to catch it with if it falls...

[peteA]

itiejim said:

WorAl said:

Glad everything went ok Jim. how did you get box out? on jack and axle stands or do you have a lift?

Just put the front of the car on axle stands and used a pair or arms to lift the box out. You've always got your face to catch it with if it falls...

Looking at him....think al might have already used that technique....

[WorAl]

peteA said:

itiejim said:

WorAl said:

Glad everything went ok Jim. how did you get box out? on jack and axle stands or do you have a lift?

Just put the front of the car on axle stands and used a pair or arms to lift the box out. You've always got your face to catch it with if it falls...

Looking at him....think al might have already used that technique....

arse

[JensenA]

The Gear box oil is ATF, and smells very similar to PAS fluid. Have a sniff in the PAS reservoir and see if it smells the same.

[WorAl]

Well, it's definitely gearbox oil coming from the front seal, collected some in a tub when I parked her up, Red, thick as syrup and a pretty strong smell.

Car has been collected this morning, hopefully an easy fix as I think the seal has been damaged when putting the box back on.