Hi all, while driving to work the other day in my mk1 octy vrs I felt what seemed to be a massive pothole but the road was smooth. I kept an eye out for any warning lights or smoke out of the back but nothing seemed terribly wrong however I did notice the clutch felt very light as if my car got 10 years newer, however it still functioned perfectly fine as did the gearbox so I slowed down for the remaining mile or so of my journey. when arriving at my destination there was an overpowering oily smell and after stopping I realised I had been trailing a LOT of oil, the engine oil seems perfectly fine at correct level and the engine ran normal too. When I towed the car back to my house not in gear and without the engine running it sounded as if I had incredibly bad engine knock (engine not running remember). I was just wondering if anybody had any ideas on what it could be I have had a look for anything obvious and everything looks ok just drenched in oil

 

Thanks,

Welcome.

 

If it was Engine oil trailed then you need to find out from where it is exiting the engine, and be sure it is not gearbox / diff oil.

Edited 31 May, 20215 yr by e-Roottoot

I do not believe it is engine oil as the level has stayed the same and i probably lost a few litres of oil on the road

I assume you mean the knock could be heard as the car was being towed?

6 minutes ago, jars said:

I assume you mean the knock could be heard as the car was being towed?

Yeah i had my window down while being towed and it was knocking real bad

Sounds like you’re dropping gearbox oil, which if is really old will be as black as engine oil. Stick your fingers in it and it’ll probably smell terrible and nothing like engine oil. 

6 minutes ago, jars said:

Sounds like you’re dropping gearbox oil, which if is really old will be as black as engine oil. Stick your fingers in it and it’ll probably smell terrible and nothing like engine oil. 

Yeah looks and smells pretty nasty

 

I would say there’s your answer. 
 

Describe “looks terrible”!? 
 

This is terrible looking ‘box oil 

3 minutes ago, EGW said:

Yeah looks and smells pretty nasty

 

Well, I don't even need to be in the same county as you to be 90% certain you've cracked either the gearbox casing of the engine sump.

2 minutes ago, jars said:

I would say there’s your answer. 
 

Describe “looks terrible”!? 
 

This is terrible looking ‘box oil 

Oh dear, not quite that bad i think XD

2 minutes ago, KenONeill said:

Well, I don't even need to be in the same county as you to be 90% certain you've cracked either the gearbox casing of the engine sump.

Yeah I thought it was something to do with the gearbox, didn't really think i wouldve cracked the gearbox casing but it makes sense to be honest

If anyone was wondering...

Ouch! Do you know what caused it?

 

What's the plan for the car? Hopefully worth repairing!

On 22/06/2021 at 19:55, petrolbloke said:

Ouch! Do you know what caused it?

 

What's the plan for the car? Hopefully worth repairing!

sorry didn't see your comment, not really sure what caused it but im planning to get another gearbox and have it refurbed as this one is a bit too far gone to save. but yes the car lives on.... hopefully

If your local I may have a gearbox.