bluespeed Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 Looking forward to my first Lotus Seven Club Blat tomorrow morning following a gearbox rebuild. Ran my R300 for first time on the road today to discover a nasty oil leak from the 6 speed gearbox. ☹️ This appears to be coming from the top of the box from what looks like a breather plate on the top surace in front of the gearchange lever. A small black plate held in place by 4 allen screws. 1. Is this normal after refilling the gearbox with oil? 2. Assume it is not possible to overfil using filler hole (as it pours out when full). 3. Should I leave it and hope all will be ok, plug the hole or another?? The reason for the box rebuild was insufficent oil, hence I am nervous about any oil loss. Urgent advice sought required otherwise no Blat tomorrow ☹️ ☹️ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6speedmanual Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 Depends how much is coming out. A few teaspoonfuls will not significantly impinge on the 1.8litres in there. Sorry I don't know if the black plate is just a cover, in which case whip it off and reseal or whether it locates something in the selector mechanism, in which case err on side of caution before removing. Hope it is just a minor drip and you join us tomorrow. Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluespeed Posted January 7, 2012 Author Share Posted January 7, 2012 Peter, thanks for your response. There is about a tea spoon of oil on the floor of garage after a 15 mile wizz today. I think I will wait to see what response I get before any decesion about tomorrow, I don't wish to pay out for rebuild 2 plus all the work removing engine & box and all the wasted driving time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bstark Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 Just a word of caution, I nearly spun on my own oil on a damp roundabout years ago from what seemed a smallish leak from the rear main oil seal... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheds Moderator Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 I don't know this box but are you sure it's mot just a drip from a breather or similar? If we are only talking of a teaspoon I'd be inclined to give it a good cleanup then take it out again tomorrow and check it frequently. As others have said,there's 1.8 litres in there and it's got to be a good leak to dent that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluespeed Posted January 7, 2012 Author Share Posted January 7, 2012 Thanks for the advice so far. I have put some silicon sealant around the offending plate, left off the transmission cover (dry tomorrow) and will give her a run, stopping to see where the oil is coming from. And will join the Beds Blat tomorrow, but on a reduced circuit However, I am very keen to know the purpose of the mystery plate on top of the gearbox if anyone out there is a 6 speed Caterham gearbox expert. Ps Thanks for the tip on the leak leading to a spin, I will rein in my driving! Edited by - bluespeed on 7 Jan 2012 18:22:17 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Plato Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 I believe you are describing the gearbox breather ?, about 1" square ? there should be a length of hose attached to the nipple on top of the plate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garybee Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 I've just been looking at a few pictures of Caterham 6 speed 'boxes and they all seem to have a small plate with 6 screws in just forward of the gear lever. Is it possible that yours has a couple missing and is leaking from where they should be? Are the holes threaded? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluespeed Posted January 7, 2012 Author Share Posted January 7, 2012 Dave, No hose was fitted to this plate when I removed the box prior to it being overhauled. It is just as you describe a small plate however, mine has no nipple just a small raised vent in the top surrouded by 4 allen screws holding the plate to the box. I am fairly sure it is a vent hole but I am surpised oil is being forced out of it. I guess that is my main concern . Thanks for your post. Simon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluespeed Posted January 7, 2012 Author Share Posted January 7, 2012 Gary, Just had another look at said breather plate. The plate has 4 larger Allen screws and two smaller ones fitted either side of the breather vent. Now with a thin layer of sealant over screws heads and around the edges. My concern it the box is being pressurised in some way forcing out the oil. I think the plate looks installed as it should be. The box was overhauled by a local gearbox specialist, I may need to chat with them on Monday and find out their views. However, very pleased to hear other opinions as Caterham gearboxes are fairly specialist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Plato Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 yep - stick a hose on the spout . older 6 speeders had no vent. so if your worried simply block it up with some silicon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Plato Posted January 7, 2012 Share Posted January 7, 2012 my hose runs to a small catch tank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluespeed Posted January 7, 2012 Author Share Posted January 7, 2012 Great advice, have the gun in hand and off to garage (silicon gun of course!) Not planning any shootings . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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