Sjwarden

Thank you, big help. Will reuse the clutch disc then, seems in good shape.

Engine is out. Rear crank seal is leaking oil, so that is confirmed. It looks fine but it is definitely leaking. Checking clutch. What do you all think, worth replacing disc or should this last a lot longer? I was thinking of just replacing while I am in here, but I am having trouble finding the part for the clutch disc. It is an AP racing part, I believe 7.5 inch, 23 spline. Anyone have a good part number for this? Any thoughts or concerns on review of the pics please chime in, any help appreciated. I am fabbing up a clamp for the new rear seal now and should have this pulled and replaced by tomorrow.

LOL, that would make it easier.

Thank you for that... I'll plan accordingly.

I have a leaking rear main seal on my 1.8k VVC Caterham. Got the correct part and will be trying to replace this on my own. Is it possible to do this job without removing the engine? Can I just drop the transmission, remove the clutch and flywheel and replace from there? Chassis is a 1999 S3 Super Seven. Any advice appreciated.

I made a video that might help. With wheels turning you can see the diff turn. e7d68373bbfc918c574327ab0b40bb36.MP4

Ok, reviving this thread a bit. Thank you for all the help so far. In an effort to nail this down so I don't accidentally put the wrong oil in and ruin this diff I got some more info. I took the suggestion above and purchased a camera probe with light. Got the attached pics of the external diff housing and some of the inside. This inside pics are terrible so not sure anything can be made of them. Outside appears to be Ford Sierra diff as mentioned. Also, if this helps, when jacked up and rotating one rear wheel, the other wheel also turns in the same direction. Diff oil appeared nice and amber and clean, but I assume that is because the car hasn't been driven in about 2-3weeks. Diff drain/fill plug was a 10mm Allen and it was magnetic. There was a few black metal filings attached on the inside magnet that I cleaned off. I might try and get a few more pics of the inside and push the camera deep into the oil, but I thought this might be enough for a firm opinion on diff type.

Thank you all for the suggestions and advice. I did go ahead and buy a boroscope, should come in handy. I did also check the rover assembly manuals and they refer to the owners manuals for the oil specs. I found an owners manual that seems close in year to mine and I think in combination with a boroscope to verify the diff type I can nail this down. Also might send away for an oil analysis as coffee break suggested.

Been lurking on this site and dreaming of a Caterham for years. Finally got one a week ago. Planning on doing some maintenance and checks over the winter, and preparing for a lot of miles come better weather. My new car is a kit that was assembled here in the States in 1999, a super seven K series car with the 1.8 VVC engine and Caterham’s 6 speed gearbox from that time. It is also fitted with an LSD. I have a VIN SDKLDKANSX0010168. Wondering what gear oil I should use to top off the diff in this vehicle but I cannot figure out what type of LSD it has. Does anyone have any ideas? Unfortunately the VIN plate has no info other than the VIN number on it. Thank you for any help or input.