fellow bricksters,

I recently purchased a 1980 242GT. Everything seems quite o.k. except for the gearbox. I believe it has the M45, (4 speed with the slide switch for overdrive.) At present when at a stop and the clutch is disengaged there is no noise (obviuosly) however if I put it in nuetral and engage the clutch you get a distinct noise that is similar to a "whirring" sound. It will also only select overdrive occaisioanlly, this is not a relay problem I have checked this already. It will also not engage at times just rev until the gearbox is fully warmed up.

My question is.

I think the transmission is leaking fluid at the rear output shaft seal (I have not been able to check the fluid level yet). There is a decent amount of fluid virtually coating the geabox casing so I would imaging these would not be the only ones. However would a loss of transmission fluid cause the above problems, or is there any other issues other owners have experienced. Any help on this greatly appreciated.

The car is used as only a weekend project at present but I want to get to the bottom of this without it costing me a fortune.

Regards Jason Ball.