Oil leak

So I changed the oil, all the filters. Took it for a spin. Wifes FL who only uses it locally, first time she went out when I was on the drive I noticed an oil patch on the drive. Oil dripping from holes in undertray. Not filter, must be the sump plug washer, oil looked clean, but hey ho oil has just been changed. Removed undertray, oil on roll bar, sub frame all over the sump & gearbox. Replaced the washer, cleaned off, the engine was quite clean anyway, but after thoroughly wiping, it was very clean. Third time she used it, oil on the drive again. WTF is that then. Blotted the sub frame & casing with paper and knew it was from the gearbox or IRD.

After guessing driveshaft seals, and wiping dry, I could not see evidence of oil at the driveshaft seals, I pushed paper towel into the bottom of each drive shaft, although a little oil misting was present, the paper towel was practically dry, I realise there would not be much, but it looks dry also. Took it for a 2 mile spin, and the only oil I can see seems to be appearing above the lower engine mount. I have no idea where the oil is coming from, and am not replacing the DS seals to find it still leaks. Never paid anyone to work on my motors, but the days of coming home from work and replacing a clutch until midnight, and using it for work next day are long gone. So looking for a trustworthy gearbox place who can have a look at it for a diagnosis without BSing me to death. For me even with a diagnosis, my mind is willing, but my back is not.

The posts I have read not drive shaft related did not come to a clear conclusion, so I will follow up with the diagnosis, and result.

Hi Devlish.
I still maintain it is gearbox oil as its to clear to be anything else, the problem is sourcing the leak from where its coming from, you could try removing the filler plug & putting in some oil until it runs out a little, if it takes a lot then you know its gearbox oil, at least it will be topped up and can be driven, using it with out finding the leak and oil being reduced each time is not good for the gearbox.

Mr D.
I have just taken a trip down to the shed, and took these photos of the MTF 94 manual gearbox oil for the FL1 & the MGZT Rover 75, as you can see it matches the oil in your picture and that which is leaking from your FL1.

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I used this on the MGZT when we had to refill after we changed the drive shaft seal.

I am convinced it is gearbox oil, I wish it were from a driveshaft, if it is I do not know how, I would tackle that, but I am not clambering about under it messing with the transmission.

Arctic2 said:

I have just taken a trip down to the shed, and took these photos of the MTF 94 manual gearbox oil for the FL1

Click to expand...

Brilliant effort Arctic, thanks for the time and work involved!!!

Report as follows from Intergears today.
Oil dried off that was very clean, taken for a short run.
O/S drive shaft weeping a little.
N/S drive shaft not leaking.
Oil on gearbox and IRD lower casing, originating from the gearbox/IRD.
Oil definitely leaking from the IRD, that about mirrored my findings.
Apart from the gear oil leak, no evidence of any type of fluid leak from anywhere.

Agreed doing half a job would be a waste of time and money.

IRD off. All seals replaced, including drive shaft seals.

Will give it a week after wife gets it back, have a butchers, and have a big smiley face

How is it after having the job done a week later do let us know

Strange, I thought I concluded this thread, anyways.
Oil leak was from the IRD, IRD and driveshaft seals replaced as requested. Engine casing dry as a bone.
Big smiley face
Arctic right back at ya.

The saga continues.
Due to lockdown horse****, the Freelander sat on the drive, asked SWMBO to use my motor for a while because I had not used it for months, .
Anyhoo.
After she had used it a few times, I noticed oil on the drive.
UH.
She took it back to Intergears, came back after 1 day, she did not use it for a week or so, but when she did, I noticed oil on the drive again
WTF
I went back to Intergears with her, asked them to actually find and cure the oil leak, they could keep it as long as needed.

2 weeks later SWMBO went to get it back. I asked her to use it for a few days so I could see if the leak had been cured.
The next day, not only was the oil leak still there, but it had a coolant leak also.
FFS

Took Freelander to Fox Land Rover today.
They lifted it, and invited me to see what was what.
One of the coolant hoses to the IRD was badly fitted and split.
A copious amount of silicone had been gunned around the collar with the O ring, that slides into the gearbox.
It could clearly be seen from underneath.
UH...WTF

Q: What is the difference between Intergears 100% peace of mind guarantee fully qualified, and a 17 year old idiot using a silicone gun to repair a gearbox oil leak.
A: Apparently nothing.

I seen it with my own eyes, but I still cannot process it..

Devilish said:

Took Freelander to Fox Land Rover today.
They lifted it, and invited me to see what was what.
One of the coolant hoses to the IRD was badly fitted and split.
A copious amount of silicone had been gunned around the collar with the O ring, that slides into the gearbox.
It could clearly be seen from underneath.
UH...WTF

Q: What is the difference between Intergears 100% peace of mind guarantee fully qualified, and a 17 year old idiot using a silicone gun to repair a gearbox oil leak.
A: Apparently nothing.

I seen it with my own eyes, but I still cannot process it..

Click to expand...

I think finding someone that is actually qualified to work ok the vehicle is the best move.