Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I get some seepage from the lock nut that locks in the reversing light switch on a Lotus 5 speed.

Should there be a washer between the lock nut and the case?

Or, put another way, what do Lotus 5 speed owners do to seal this location?

Is it from the lack of a fibre/copper washer or is it from the switch itself ? some do weep from the metal/plastic join...

John

P.S. a touch or wellseal on the thread helps.

Thanks John, it's most likely from the lack of some sort of washer, not from the switch itself. I might as
well do both, when I pull the switch out.
Thanks!

I think I put some PTFE tape on mine and the fibre washer when I fitted a new switch. With the tape I was careful about the depth to ensure it remained in the thread and not into the box.

It was recently point out these boxes don't seem to have a vent so not surprising if they develop small leaks and if you have the box removed it might be best to add a vent.

Sounds good Mark, thanks. The 'box is now fitted (and immediately began seeping from the reverse
light switch mating area) and it had slipped my mind about adding a vent. When
I was recently perusing the 'gearbox swop' thread, initiated by Alex Black, I noticed a vent in the gear lever
cover and was probably added by Graham Bolton. Well, poop! I'll just have to live with whatever happens.

If it makes you feel better, I had the box out, fixed my 4th gear selection and back in the car without realizing the lack of a breather. Which doesn't sound too bad until I say I had the best part of 6 months to realize and didn't!

Next time it is out I plan to add a breather, until then I'll just live with a few drops of oil on the 5th detent nut. It's not like the engine doesn't leak anyway...