TCS - 365 Gearbox Rear Housing Removal

[Dilkris]

Whilst not a major problem atm - I have a slight oil leak from the rocking lever shaft, ie: that shaft that rotates the external reverse/5th gear indent. (small oil spots on the floor)
When refurbishing the gearbox I had the unit on the bench obviously and whilst I machined and fitted a new bush (plus replaced the oil seal) for the gear change shaft I did not interrogate the rocking lever shaft/housing and more to the point, did not change the O ring on this shaft which clearly now appears to have been a mistake.
So my question is - can the 365 rear housing be easily removed with the engine/transaxle in the chassis? Is there sufficient clearance to the rear chassis hoop with the transaxle rear support removed or do I have to raise or lower (I surmise "raise") the rear of the transaxle - plus of course everything else that that entails.?? This is the question.

Out of interest though, in my quest to fine tune the gear change, I have installed the original Renault 5th gear detent, plunger and spring and removed the "Chapman" external auxiliary reverse/5th gear ball, spring & housing.
The effect of this of course is that there is now no radial loading on the rocking lever and the slight oil leak has completely stopped.....   

My intention is to install the well proven alternative lock out system for the reverse gear.                     

[BDA]

It's been a LONG time but I am pretty sure I took the end cover off my 365, without taking the tranny out, to have it welded (I backed into a curb or something and cracked it). I probably raised the tranny because that would put less stress on the motor mounts since it has less distance to be raised before the bottom clears the rear hoop than lowering it.

I don't think there is a risk for trying to take the end cover off first. If it doesn't work, you can put the end cover back on and pull the tranny. A bit of a pain but for a stock Europa, it's really not that bad.

[jbcollier]

READ THE MANUAL.

Yes it can be removed in situ BUT you have to select a certain gear first or something falls out inside the main case.  Can't remember the details but check it out!

[Dilkris]

I have read the manual John - which is why I am posting on here....

The manual states select 4th gear and all details following for removal are seemingly with the transaxle out of the car and on a bench - I am trying to establish what is involved in performing this with the transaxle still in the car.   

[Footer]

Dilkris,  I did exactly what you’re doing now and my thread is entitled “365 Transaxle Leak” from June of this year.
Essentially, I raised the body and frame after disconnecting the rear transaxle mounts and loosening the motor mounts along with a couple of other connections.  All of the details are in my thread.
The o ring you’re looking for is indeed metric but I don’t remember the size.  You may be luckier than I was finding one locally.  I had to order from the internet and had to buy the smallest package they had which was 100 units.  Fortunately the price was good and including shipping, total cost was about $16.  If you want I will dig them out to get the correct size.
Should someone over here want one I will let them go for two first class stamps.  PM me if interested.

The learning curve took me a while but now it would be straight forward and take much less time.  Your pictures look like the chassis is bare, making this all much easier.

[Dilkris]

Dilkris,  I did exactly what you’re doing now and my thread is entitled “365 Transaxle Leak” from June of this year.
Essentially, I raised the body and frame after disconnecting the rear transaxle mounts and loosening the motor mounts along with a couple of other connections.  All of the details are in my thread.

Thankyou "Footer" - I have just re-read your thread, I note also I contributed towards it. (I'm old and forget stuff...  )
The conclusion to my original question therefore appears to be "NO"
"You cannot simply remove the rear housing of a 365 transaxle whilst the unit is in the chassis/car as there is insufficient clearance to the rear chassis hoop even with the transaxle rear support bracket removed and therefore you have to raise or lower the rear of the transaxle - plus of course everything else that this action entails, in order to achieve the required clearance."

Out of interest I note that you effectively lowered the transaxle - as my body is still off the car and overall access is easier, I will opt to raise the rear of the transaxle - it appears to be a "smaller" shift to attain the required clearance to facilitate the rear housing removal.

I also note in your thread, the confusion raised regarding 4th gear and the ball bearing requirement for this action.
   
Anyway - I'll post pictures later when I do it.