stuart147 Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 After being laid up for a couple of weeks while we were away, I noticed today, a small puddle of oil under the gearbox. It is gearbox oil and I would say that the puddle amounted to about 100ml (but who knows really). I have checked underneath and can see no obvious leaks from speedo drive, reversing light switch or seal from gearbox to prop shaft. The only noticeable spot of oil was on the centre bolt that goes through the gearbox mount and after talking to Richard Price, this bolt goes into a blank threaded hole. Any ideas where this oil could be coming from? The rest of the gearbox assembly looks quite dry. My plan now is to check the oil level and watch for any further leaks and then decide what to do from there really. My question is "what oil do I put in the gearbox?" ( Type 9 five speed ) Stuart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stationary M25 Traveller Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 I drained mine and used Redline MTL from Opie Oils (L7C discount). Nothing to do with Redline in Caterham. Improves gearchange nicely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuart147 Posted July 12, 2013 Author Share Posted July 12, 2013 Thanks for the prompt reply Ian. Initially, I want to top up the gearbox with whatever is deemed to be standard oil as that is almost certainly is what is in it. I am pretty busy over the next couple of weeks and cannot see me getting the time to drain and refill as I want to use the car while the weather is holding. I would like to find the leak before draining and refilling completely. Stuart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mankee Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 The "standard" Caterham gearbox oil is Comma SX75W-90 GL-4: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004P24XV6. I think they also make a GL-5 version, which isn't good for the syncro action or something along those lines. I bought two bottles of the stuff to refill my box so have maybe 2/3rds bottle left if you would like me to send it to you? I have found it to be perfectly adequate for track use, but can't comment on road use nor how good Redline MTL might be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuart147 Posted July 12, 2013 Author Share Posted July 12, 2013 Hi Mankee Thanks for the offer of the oil. I will try to source some locally tomorrow. If I have a problem I will blatmail you. I have checked again tonight and so far no more leaks. I just hope that it does not mean that the gearbox is empty . I will get the filler plug off tomorrow and see what I find. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mankee Posted July 12, 2013 Share Posted July 12, 2013 Most motor factors including Halfords should stock it. I had a box oil weep between the bellhousing and main case. From recent experience, an oil leak when driven at speed can fly all over the place and dribble from random places after stopping for a while. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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