wdb

Seems appropriate that I start a thread about my recent acquisition. I've always wanted a Lotus, either a Seven or an Elan (the Europa dropped off the list after I had a chance to sit in one). This particular car was on an auction site and physically located near me, however at the time I was very busy with Life Things and could not pursue it. Lo and behold a little more than year later it reappeared on the same site, and now I was free to chase it. Short story, I won it. Rather than post a bunch of pics I'll just post one, and link to the auction site where there are a bunch more. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/caterham-super-seven-2/

I have a Challenger 9000 lb. 4-post lift. The Caterham looks dainty sitting on it. The rolling jacks won't clear the oil pan though so I need to be mindful. I wavered between 2-post and 4-post lifts when shopping for them but went with 4 posts because I would definitely be using it for storage and didn't like the idea of the car hanging there unsuspended for weeks/months at a time. There are some inconveniences when doing work on the cars but so far no show stoppers.

It is leaking out around both top covers, at the tail housing mount to the gearbox, plus you can see those wet spots at the bolts holding the bell housing. (There is no oil dripping out at the front edge of the bell housing.) That's why I was thinking it was pressure buildup. The stuff at the rear seal is gooey. I don't see oil there. I agree that if that little orifice is supposed to be the vent, it needs an upgrade. I am resigned to pulling the engine on my brand new purchase, but it will wait until cold weather forces me off the road. It is an intoxicating thing. I've already nearly doubled its lifetime total mileage. Thanks for all of the advice and links. I'll try to post some good news too.

Here's one more, showing the end of the tailshaft from above.

Thanks for the replies. I may have found the vent. At least these pictures should help identify which gearbox it is. They also show the leaks. EDIT: I also checked for overfill. The level is well below the edge of the fill plug so my assumption is no, not overfilled. As for the apparent solution, pulling it out and reasealing it -- is it only possible by pulling the engine, or can it be snuck out the bottom? Seems pretty tight under there.

I'm new to Caterhams although I did once own a 1966 Cortina GT (amongst a slew of other English cars back then). And I don't recall that car being as messy as this one. Just how badly do Cortina gearboxes leak? Mine appears to be leaking from the front, back, top and possibly also where the tailpiece bolts to the main box. It's coming out pretty well too; a 30 mile drive leaves a nice mess under the car. I cleaned everything off before the drive which is how I know it is coming out from several locations. Could it be overfilled? (Easy) Is there a breather on the gearbox somewhere? (Maybe easy) Is it filled with the wrong kind of oil that is foaming up and building pressure inside the case? I dunno. I can try changing the oil -- I'd love to hear what folks recommend to use. It's possible that it's leaking just from age. It was completely refurbished but it was quite a few years ago. The car had a total of less 100 miles on it since then, so it isn't an age/use thing, but perhaps the seals all deteriorated from sitting? Doesn't seem right to me, the seals don't look like cork or string or anything weird. Oh that reminds me -- there is some sort of black goo oozing from the rear seal. Enough woe. Thanks for ideas and suggestions.

Hi all, I'm Dave and I just bought a 1995 Caterham Super Seven that was recently offered on Bring a Trailer. It was a bit of kismet I think; the car went up for sale last year, it was not far from me, and I really wanted to at least go see it. But I was caring for an ailing parent and going off chasing little yellow cars was not an option. So reluctantly I watched as it sold to someone besides me. Fast forward about a year and, lo and behold, the car is once again up for auction on BaT! Still nearby, still with the same owner in fact -- the first sale had fallen through. This time I was free to go see it, crawl around it, meet the owner, and eventually win the auction. Owning a Lotus is one of my bucket list items and as far as I'm concerned this gives me a checkmark. Rather than post a bunch of pictures I'll just link the auction. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/caterham-super-seven-2/ I also have my first question, namely just how badly do Cortina gearboxes leak? Because mine appears to be leaking from the front, back, top and possibly also where the tailpiece bolts to the main box. I'll start another thread on that rather than clutter things up here.

That one is me. Well, soon it will be me.