Captain Fizz Posted August 24, 2013 Report Share Posted August 24, 2013 Whilst out the other day, I started to get intermittent drive and on checking gearbox oil level, found that it required over a litre to bring it up to level. This cured the drive problem but, after only 30 minutes of use the following day, the problem returned. I have removed the gearbox, but it is not obvious which of the seals are leaking. There is no oil in the drive plate/bell housing area and nothing obvious around either output or input shafts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Brooks Posted August 24, 2013 Report Share Posted August 24, 2013 Look at the gear change spindle while running, if the box is out then change the spindle seal anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bizzard Posted August 24, 2013 Report Share Posted August 24, 2013 Also the oil pump cover securing bolts have copper washers under their heads which I've found often leak. The pump cover is the round thing next to the prop shaft output flange. Also the nasty to get to 'in situ' oil cooler pipe fitting underneath the box is a favorite for leaking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bizzard Posted August 24, 2013 Report Share Posted August 24, 2013 Also the oil pump cover securing bolts have copper washers under their heads which I've found often leak. The pump cover is the round thing next to the prop shaft output flange. Also the nasty to get to 'in situ' oil cooler pipe fitting underneath the box is a favorite for leaking. Its usually best to try and diagnose oil leaks with these boxes still in position with the engine running and trying it in and out of gear, this will help to show up any leaks on the pressure side of things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Brooks Posted August 24, 2013 Report Share Posted August 24, 2013 Could also be a leak in the oil cooler, oil to water leak. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Fizz Posted August 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 24, 2013 It is definitely into the bilge, not the oil cooler. I shall fit new seals throughout. As usual, it is almost impossible to see around the box in situ. Thanks for the ideas all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RLWP Posted August 24, 2013 Report Share Posted August 24, 2013 (edited) The easy way is to have a clean up and then bung a sheet of brown paper under the box. At least you can learn which end the leak is coming from Sawdust works too Richard Edited August 24, 2013 by RLWP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Fizz Posted August 24, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 24, 2013 Note to self, must make up a proper inspection mirror on a stick! Thanks Richard, I have cleaned the bilge whilst the gearbox is out so will now have a better idea should the leak re-occur. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Fizz Posted September 14, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 14, 2013 I finally tracked this leak down, it appeared to be coming from under the box but I could not see from where but the oil was collecting in a tray. With the engine running, I was looking under the box with a mirror when I caught site of a drip from the oil cooler. Further investigation revealed a tiny pinhole in the underside of the cooler which was allowing oil to run around the box and look like a leak from beneath. About bloody time, it's been driving me potty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackrose Posted September 14, 2013 Report Share Posted September 14, 2013 (edited) As usual, it is almost impossible to see around the box in situ. Thanks for the ideas all. What sort of engine installation is it that you can't see around the gearbox? I guess it must be a trad where the engine's boxed in with boards, but can't they be removed? I once made the mistake of offering to help someone with an oil change on their trad without realising how poor the engine access was. What an ordeal! Edited September 15, 2013 by blackrose Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Fizz Posted September 15, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 15, 2013 Yep, it's a trad! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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