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MG MGA - Gearbox Leak

Well, while installing my supercharger, I had to raise the engine to change the crankshaft pulley. While it was raised, I noticed an oil leak from the gearbox. Didn't think to much about it. Went to run it today and noticed the level was way down and the frame was dripping clean gearbox oil.

I think somehow I may have buggered the rear seal. All was fine before I raised the engine and there is only a minimal amount from the weep hole in front, and that is from the engine. Besides the rear seal, are there any other obvious areas to check for leaks? Cracks, covers, etc? The gearbox was out last in August 2007 while adding the engine rear seal. New gearbox seals-front and rear-were added then. Seems like a year is a pretty short life for a seal.

Oh yes, the tailshaft bushing is good and there is no movement when I wiggle the driveshaft.

Tom Baker

Your description sounds as if you raised the front of the engine without first disconnecting the tailshaft.
The U-joint then ran out of angular travel and the tailshaft applied a force to the rear of the gearbox. You should disconnect the tailshaft first.

Mick
M F Anderson

Tom

I have never disconnected the drive shaft whenever I have removed the engine, it's just too much trouble, and I have never ever found it necessary. Even when removing the gearbox I have always left the drive shaft in place and just slide the box out and back in again, I have never had such a problem.

Does your car have a slide-in or bolt on shaft?





dominic clancy

My car has a slide-in shaft. I have raised the engine before several times without any problems either, but this time the u-jont may have been tweeked. Hope the seal isn't destroyed.

It's about 6am and I am going to fill the gearbox, wipe away all the oil and take it for a spin and report......

Tom
Tom Baker

Mick, you must have had this happen before. I re-filled the gearbox and took it for a spin. Closer on getting the timing right and no gearbox leaks. I'll try a longer trip next time. The weather really turned bad rather quickly forcing a trip home. Have to wait until this weekend to see.
Tom Baker

Tom, It is also possible that when you jacked up and tilted the engine back, the little amount of oil left in the cavity behind the bearing cap were the scroll is located may of leaked back causing a one time leak. This will be a best case senerio and no big deal.
Good luc!


WMR Bill

This thread was discussed between 06/09/2008 and 08/09/2008

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