[Healeys] BN1 Gearbox Leaks

[Healeyguy at aol.com]

Rich
A somewhat related story. 
While reassembling a basketcase Ford  gearbox that is fit to a Lotus Elan 
last month I came across an unusual  bolt in the box of bits. In checking with my 
Lotus technical adviser on the US  mainland I was informed that the gearbox 
had a breather in the form a  drilled bolt with protective cap.  It was to be 
installed in the left rear  bolt hole in the shifter housing. Someone figured 
out, just as you did, that  gear boxes generally need a vent. Not much of one 
as the Ford box used a 5/16  bolt in that location so the drill hole can't be 
to big. I suspect that the  location is dictated by the splash pattern of the 
lubricant in a particular  gearbox. At any rate I was told to install the vent 
or the box would "leak more  than usual!"
Aloha
Perry




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