alzmoore 3 Report post Posted September 9, 2019 I knew it was too good to be true. Car has been running well but now it seems to be leaking something that looks like brown gravy from the bottom of the clutch bellhousing. The engine doesn't seem to be losing oil, so i guess it must be the gearbox seal. It's the Renault gearbox. Has anyone had a similar problem and how difficult is the fix? Many thanks Alan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sailorbob 202 Report post Posted September 9, 2019 See this thread All for less than £20 worth of seal and O ring Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alzmoore 3 Report post Posted September 10, 2019 Thanks Sailorbob...... Looks like a nightmare but I think I'll get the House of Commons to make no leak illegal and that should solve it.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky 2,153 Report post Posted September 10, 2019 If you can wait that long for a decision... Quote British Ambassador to Florida, New York, Denmark and Newfoundland. And Sweden. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Escape 632 2 Vehicles Report post Posted September 11, 2019 First of, lovely picture of a great combo! Too bad about the oil leak... I'd start by checking the oil level in the gearbox, just to be sure. Your description of gravy does sound like (old) gearbox oil... Taking the box out is a bit of work, but nothing too complicated. Nor is splitting the box to replace the seal, just work calmly and methodically, and you'll be fine. Getting started is the hardest part. Filip 3 Quote I have made many mistakes in my life. Buying a multiple Lotus is not one of them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alzmoore 3 Report post Posted September 11, 2019 Filip, thanks for the encouragement.... I guess I better just bite the bullet... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Glyn Harper 52 1 Vehicles Report post Posted September 11, 2019 Could be worse though.. This is the oil I took out of my gearbox last year which lead to a complete rebuild! 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vanya 531 Report post Posted September 13, 2019 What does the oil smell like? Gearbox oil has a very particular smell. It's in all my clothes thanks to the SE and weeping driveshaft seals, so I'm well acquainted with it. Quote Vanya Stanisavljevic '91 Esprit SE | '91 Elan SE | '97 XK8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alzmoore 3 Report post Posted September 13, 2019 Yes it's gearbox oil... You are right it has a particular smell.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky 2,153 Report post Posted September 13, 2019 Those who know me will attest to the fact that I identify vehicle fluids by taste. Transmission oil is eminently identifiable. 2 1 Quote British Ambassador to Florida, New York, Denmark and Newfoundland. And Sweden. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Advantage 865 Report post Posted September 13, 2019 4 hours ago, Sparky said: Those who know me will attest to the fact that I identify vehicle fluids by taste. Transmission oil is eminently identifiable. Not keen on the prospect of tasting gearbox oil. The smell is enough to identify it. However, is that a puddle of brake fluid, screenwash or cat pee? Only one way to find that out and that's using your tongue. Note, your tongue - not my tongue. 2 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
silverfrost 1,386 Report post Posted September 14, 2019 16 hours ago, Sparky said: Those who know me will attest to the fact that I identify vehicle fluids by taste. Transmission oil is eminently identifiable. I have seen pictures of him on the lotusforums sniffing rear exhaust boxes ! Part man, part machine, people say he has a lotus badge tatooed on his body somewhere ! Quote A Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky 2,153 Report post Posted September 14, 2019 Actually I haven't. But that's a bloody good idea... Quote British Ambassador to Florida, New York, Denmark and Newfoundland. And Sweden. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Escape 632 2 Vehicles Report post Posted September 14, 2019 I always tast coolant to determine the concentration. The amount of gagging is directly proportional to the negative temperatures it can withstand. But I too would pass for gearbox oil! Filip 1 Quote I have made many mistakes in my life. Buying a multiple Lotus is not one of them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
