advice please - do I have a problem here?

[Rockerrob666]

found this today when going to clean engine bay:

 

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o720/rockerrob666/Project%20Satan/IMG00282-20121207-1354.jpg

 

http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o720/rockerrob666/Project%20Satan/IMG00283-20121207-1354.jpg

 

Do I have a problem here? there's no signs of anything dripping onto it.......is there a gasket there that could be leaking?

Edited December 7, 2012 by Rockerrob666

[demented]

If oil not actually dripping/leaking, I wouldnt worry about it too much.

That area of the gearbox has a rubbery/cork type gasket, it looks like oil has seep through over a long period of time rather than an actual leak.

 

Best check for leaks when gearbox is hot, after use.

 

If gearbox oil is at specified level and checked more often than it ever was, I believe it'll be ok.

 

Best just clean the oil stain off with WD40 or Gunk and keep an eye on it, only fix when there's a noticeable change with operation.

 

It may be possible to replace gasket without removing the gearbox, but it could be awkward as the 5th geat requires removing to seperate that section of the gearbox, also, to refit the 5th gear, it requires heating with a blow torch.

[Rockerrob666]

If oil not actually dripping/leaking, I wouldnt worry about it too much.

That area of the gearbox has a rubbery/cork type gasket, it looks like oil has seep through over a long period of time rather than an actual leak.

 

Best check for leaks when gearbox is hot, after use.

 

If gearbox oil is at specified level and checked more often than it ever was, I believe it'll be ok.

 

Best just clean the oil stain off with WD40 or Gunk and keep an eye on it, only fix when there's a noticeable change with operation.

 

It may be possible to replace gasket without removing the gearbox, but it could be awkward as the 5th geat requires removing to seperate that section of the gearbox, also, to refit the 5th gear, it requires heating with a blow torch.

 

 

cheers for that dude. have got some wd40 degreaser will clean up and monitor any reappearance.

 

Just wondering: the car was owned from new by a little old granny and did 27k before I got it and started to drive it properly (motorway speed etc) I have noticed a lot of the engine has 'freed up' and it feels a lot more free-er (revs up quicker, accelerates quicker, brakes better) than when I first got it, do you think the change in usage would have almost 'shocked the system'?

[demented]

Personally, I doubt it.

 

There could of been a build up of carbon on the valves and in the Cat, if not driven to its full potential and since regular use at optimal operating temperature any carbon may of burnt off.

 

There's a slim chance the Cat was restricted by a carbon build up and has now cleared. I've never experience this my self but seen footage on Youtube, claiming to soak the cat in cleaning fluid and refit.

 

A blocked or faulty Cat will definitely restrict the cars performance, so will a blocked or dirty air filter.

[demented]

I've just had a look at a dismantle Escort gearbox in the garage and the matting face, the area with the oil staining on yours, doesn't have a gasket at all, ford use a none silicone sealant during manufacture.

 

The cork type gasket I mentioned, is on the 5th gear cover.

 

It may be possible to drain a little gearbox oil, remove the 5th gear cover plate and gasket and then tighten the torx bolts which secure that section of the gearbox together.

 

No need to remove the 5th gear to do this.

 

But as I've said previously, I wouldn't worry about it till there was a noticeable change in operation or an excessive oil leak.

[Stu]

Do I have a problem here??

 

Yes.

 

You.

 

Smoke much?

[Rockerrob666]

I've just had a look at a dismantle Escort gearbox in the garage and the matting face, the area with the oil staining on yours, doesn't have a gasket at all, ford use a none silicone sealant during manufacture.

 

The cork type gasket I mentioned, is on the 5th gear cover.

 

It may be possible to drain a little gearbox oil, remove the 5th gear cover plate and gasket and then tighten the torx bolts which secure that section of the gearbox together.

 

No need to remove the 5th gear to do this.

 

But as I've said previously, I wouldn't worry about it till there was a noticeable change in operation or an excessive oil leak.

 

 

Cool, cheers for that mate. will keep an eye on it and monitor whether it comes back. cleaned it off yesterday and gave it a good burn up to my brothers house and back today (20mile each way) and no signs of it coming back yet (fingers crossed). It's good to know that it's not a serious problem and can be easily sorted. will get in there and tighten it anyway when I do my next service and change the gearbox oil The only thing about buying a second hand car, is what nightmares you'll find buried that only make themselves known after a couple of months, I'm still looking for my paranoia created weld across the roof and the floorpan. other than this the car seems peachy (touch wood).