Gearbox Oil leak?

[chuggy]

Hi there,
I've recently bought my first 1967 MGB which has put a huge smile of my face!
However, I've noticed that there seems to be an oil leak from around the gearbox. It's not a slight leak either unfortunately.
I wonder if anbody can point me in the right direction from where it may becoming from?
thanks!

 

[PAUL161]

A slight leak in a MG only indicates that it's getting lubricated and that's nothing to worry about but a large leak is another story. Is it in front of the gear box, to the rear, or where? Try to be a little more specific as to where the oil is dripping from. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif PJ

 

[jlaird]

Just might be time to clean things up under there so you can find the leak. Or as least see it.

 

[chuggy]

seems to be dripping from the bottom of the bell housing. It's more than just a drip. I used the car and parked it in the garage. 1/2 later i noticed a small puddle under this area. Since then I haveny used the car and its hardly dripping at all. Will investigate further this weekend.

 

[shorn]

Sometimes leaks dripping from the bell housing turn out to be engine oil from the back of a valve cover, and a fairly easy fix. First check to see if the gearbox is actually low on oil.

 

[PAUL161]

Chuggy, As Shorn says, first check the valve cover gasket, it's pretty rare for an MGB 4 cyl to leak there, if no leak, check the transmission oil level. If they look good, then you better look at the rear crank shaft seal. If it's there, you'll have to pull the engine, remove the flywheel, pull and replace the seal with a new one. I know of no other way to do this. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hammer.gif PJ /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

 

[jdeluke137]

If its the rear seal, go ahead and replace the clutch assembly while you have the engine out, unless you know when it was last replaced. The engine has to come out to replace the clutch, so you might as well while you have it out.

 

[tony barnhill]

Most important thing to do is get everything clean - pressure wash time - so you can see where the leak is originating...oil sometimes migrates so, without cleaning, you'll have a hard time finding it.

 

[Gel]

Hi, I'm a beginner here so I may say something stupid!
What constitutes a serious oil leak. I have obvious drips hanging from various points but my engine level and pressure is fine.
Would it help if I posted a photo of my garage floor?

 

[Bugeye58]

Gel, I think we all have spotted floors. As long as you continue to monitor all the fluid levels, I would think you will be OK. However, a sudden loss would be cause for immediate concern. A very small amount of oil can make a big mess, and make things look much worse than they are.
Jeff

 

[tony barnhill]

Gel, MG's don't leak! They mark their territory. You'll be better off going down to Autozone & buying one of their large drip pans - the type you lay on the floor & drive over & keep it in the place where you always park your MG.