84 D/R 1.8 non turbo wagon.  A week ago, I noticed a feint whine while in 4th gear only. checked gear oil, there was a drop on the stick. I put in 1.5Q of valvoline 80-90. looks like it might be leaking from output seals. after 10 miles of light driving, gear oil is still full, but it is dark, not black, but not clean.

 

I wanted to take this car on a road trip from CO to OR, but am afraid to without getting this problem fixed. I cannot find a transmission locally as yet (if you are in CO and have one, let me know). Car has a great engine and I am confident that it will go another 100k as I change oil every 2000, burn highest octane available, and cruise on hwy at 65, and around 2500-2800rpms. I do not want to scrap it.

 

Questions: is it advisable to try the drain it and run automatic gear oil for a few days and then refill with manual? will this further any leaking seals? will this further erode a possible bearing failure, or make it go faster? I have heard of people driving these things with that noise for years. Not sure I want to tempt the gods on a road trip. If so, do I do the seals first, then try the automatic oil, or vise versa?

 

If I hear the noise in 4th gear only, does that mean whatever is making it is a 4th gear part, and I can drive it in 3rd without doing more damage?

 

If I find a tranny, and I know that other year models will fit, just not exactly sure which ones (83-88?) and which questions to ask to find out. Is there anyone between colorado springs and fort collins that can help me do it, or let me help/watch?

 

thanks for your help again.

 

 

any ea81 with dual range 4 speed would be right. so 81-84 sedan 2/4 door, 81-88 3 door hatch back ea81 stlye only, 81-84 wagon, 81-88 brat. you have to be careful because some dl's and year 81 cars have single range instead of dual range.