3 rd gear grunt

[Tannerman]

I have been out in the Elan today after
it being in the garage for 3 weeks due to the snow, The 3rd gear grunt seems to be getting worse and with a trip planned to Italy next year i think it is time to act.

I have already changed the gearbox oil twice...Once with OEM and the next with Synthetic, The end plate has been taken off and the "nuts" ajusted to the correct torque...Soooooo i am at a loss...Do i rebuild? or replace?

If i rebuild where do i get the parts? and if i replace realistically how much...I missed out on one on EBAY recently for £93 but it is a big job to do and find out the used one is just as bad.

Cheers

John

[Tannerman]

Is the gearbox on a Lotus some kind of "TABOO" subject because no one seems to know anything about them?

Is it really "rocket sceince"

[DeanG]

All the internals are Isuzu parts although they are a Lotus specific mix.

There is nothing odd about the transmission. Anyone who is competent with FWD transmissions should be able to do a good job. When I was having a problem with it popping out of 1st & 5th I bought a transmission from a breaker and had it shipped to the USA. A local race shop pulled it down, gave it an inspection and changed all seals sourcing parts from the local Isuzu dealer. Another Lotus shop did the swap for me throwing in a new clutch assembly for good measure.

I would have to search this site to see how difficult it is to remove and reinstall the transmission. Good luck.

[Specky]

Is the gearbox on a Lotus some kind of "TABOO" subject because no one seems to know anything about them?

Is it really "rocket sceince"

Nope...


If you're sure it's the box, drop it out, spend a few days overhauling it.

Parts are available from the states and Lotus hold quite a few.

Some of the tooling can be a bit expensive thou

The manuals are an invaluable source of information for this one.

New boxes are about a grand

Second hand from breakers etc...about £400-500

and on the off chance someone has one up for grabs, a few hundred cheaper than that.

If you've got a specfic question about the gearbox just ask.


TTFN

[Tannerman]

Is the gearbox on a Lotus some kind of "TABOO" subject because no one seems to know anything about them?

Is it really "rocket sceince"

Nope...


If you're sure it's the box, drop it out, spend a few days overhauling it.

Parts are available from the states and Lotus hold quite a few.

Some of the tooling can be a bit expensive thou

The manuals are an invaluable source of information for this one.

New boxes are about a grand

Second hand from breakers etc...about £400-500

and on the off chance someone has one up for grabs, a few hundred cheaper than that.

If you've got a specfic question about the gearbox just ask.


TTFN