kwacka

I've tried a search on this, but can't find anyone having this problem. I have a leak on the bottom of the gearbox, coming from the joint between the two halves, which is bonded on assembly. I have tried several repairs with epoxy resin on the outside of the box; the leak stops for a few weeks but then returns. It is proving impossible to identify the exact position(s) of the leak(s).
Does this mean I will have to go for a replacement box at some point or has anyone got a miracle cure? Surely I cannot be the only one this has ever happened to?

Car is 2000 1.4 16v, gearbox code EYW, I think changed to GRY for later models,any advice gratefully received,

Ian

ric04vrs

the correct repair procedure would be the remove the gearbox and split the casings , clean the gasket surfaces then re-apply the correct silicon sealant , then fit the 2 halves back together

applying sealant on the outside of the casing will never work as the oil will always find a way passed it

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kwacka

Agree with you ric, but I was trying the easy stuff first, SWMBO needs the car every day. I think my cheapest way out is 2nd hand box and get local specialist to change it.

ric04vrs

it would be cheaper if you got the specialist to reseal the casings , no second box costs then

if its only a slight drip , i wouldn't be too bothered , just keep checking/topping up the oil

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kwacka

It's only a slight drip, but we intend to keep the car and I hate oil leaks, so it's prolly worth fixing. Thanks for the advice anyway. Any more for any more??????

Basil

100 % what Ric says. Wonder if something like this would help as a stopgap measure: Transmission Sealer & Conditioner

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kwacka

Thanks Basil, I think that stuff only works on rubber (ooer), so wouldn't help in this case - I did search the web big time for something to pour in, just postponing the inevitable I guess!!

cjb

One more thing: I think 1.4 16v boxes can be rare, so fixing yours might be better.

Tom_vRS

Yep, splitting the box from the engine isn't a massive job tbh... Possibly 2hrs at a dealer, so maybe £100 all in if you can find a good independant... Certainly no need for a replacement box, assuming its just a weep and it isn't cracked or anything...

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kwacka

Thanks fellas, my local specialist has quoted £180 labour to do the gearbox and clutch change (may as well do), but he won't split the box. however he is ex VW and says he's never heard of this happening, suggests I try tightening bolts/nuts first. I had thought of that but didn't bother as I assumed they were loctited, but he seemed to think I could well have some success, watch this space.......

ric04vrs

you could try nipping the lower casing bolts , but if there is sealer missing from the gasket surface , however much tightening you do , it will still leak

we have similar issues on the IB5 gearbox in Fords , casing reseal is the only option

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Sammycarp

Itsa not leaking, its marking its territory

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garethw

I have exactly the same problem. On my box there appears to be a gasket.
Up until now I have managed by refilling the oil at each service interval.
Mine only looses 75ml or so in 10K.
I bought a thing called an olytite stick.
Oyltite Stik*(S100) - Gaskets - Frost Auto Restoration Techniques

I must admit I haven't tried it.

If you are loosing more than a small amount any additive inside the box won't fix it.
Also I would avoid additives in gearboxes due to the chance of the synchromesh getting messed up.
I would also check that the driveshaft oil seals arent leaking or havent worked loose.
Some are fitted to the box by a spun aluminium adapter, they can work loose.

Cheers

G.

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kwacka

So much for trying to nip up the lower casing bolts - they are all inside the clutch bellhousing!!!!!
Looks like I'll be going down the second hand gearbox route, but I have a question-

What do the codes mean? I think they just refer to dates of manufacture, looking at elsawin, all the specs for a 1.4 74kw box are the same, despite having about a dozen different codes. Have already spoken to a scrappy (excellent response from 247 spares) and he says they supply lots, and they all fit ok. Bit suspicious as to why he supplies lots, is this another Fabia foible?????

kwacka

Thanks for that Gareth, I did look all over the place for something like that - why haven't you tried it yet? I might just give it a go. At last I've found someone with the same problem, thought I was just dead unlucky!!

Ian

garethw

Hi Ian,
I haven't fixed it because it is low on my list of prorities compared to a new baby and various other distractions.
The only thing that is bad about it is it looks like it is contaminating the dog bone engine mount and so that is probably going to fail.

Also I managed to loose the thing for about 12 months.

Does your box have the gasket on the joint ?
Also is the fill plug a hexagon or the AUDI spline thing ?

Cheers

G.

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kwacka

H i Gareth,

Finished with the new baby thing years ago lol!

Mine is glued together, (I thought they all were), and I think my fill plug is splined, same as drain plug. You will deduce from that I haven't topped it up, but it is only leaking slightly, a few tiny spots on the drive,

Cheers, Ian

ps off out to the pub, back tomorrow

kwacka

I have had a further thought, after being unable to find any sort of breather - does the gearbox pressurise as it warms up? If it does, then surely no amount of external sealer will hold for long, with expansion/contraction, heat and pressure. Can any techies throw any light on the breather thing??

Gizmo68

Unless you actually have something wrong with your box, this is a crazy idea.

A second hand box could well be in worse condition than yours. They are normally just removed from the car and powerwashed (if you are lucky).
To regasket the box will not take long when its out of the car and you will know that there is nothing wrong with it and will fit your car.

kwacka

Gizmo, there is a slight problem with the box - gearlever moves back & forth slightly when putting power on & off in 4th only, but it's stayed the same over the last 3 years so not really an issue. However, I've had a quote of £225+vat to remove, reseal and replace, by the local VW specialist, (who happen to advertise on this site), so I'm going to go with that, prolly change clutch as well.
After talking to a number of people, this does seem to be an extremely rare problem, just lucky I guess.