Renault 15

[Scottspencer]

Hi, strange one this on a lotus forum, but there aren’t many Renault 15 owners to speak to.
I have Renault 15 that shares the same gearbox as the europa.
My gearbox, 4 speed, appears to of locked in between gears. I was moving back and forth having put sone new oil in the box. Suddenly a clunk, try to engage the clutch, engine struggles, no wheel movement.
Wheels off the ground. Engine off wheels move, opposite directions so diff is ok. Gear stick movement is limited, back to reverse, somewhere on the realms of 1st, will not go near 3rd or 4th.
Any ideas? Box was whining prior to this and struggling to go into second. Thanks

[BDA]

  Scottspencer!!

It might be helpful to know which tranny you have: 336? 352? 365?

Is your linkage in good shape? No slop. No obstructions.

[Scottspencer]

I believe it’s the 336. Linkage appears to be ok. It could be the 352, unfortunately the tag no longer exists plus the serial number is partially worn away.
Numbers that are visible are 7700522….

[S2Zetec54]

Hi Scottspencer

Welcome to the forum, can't help you very much...the pre existing whine might have something to do with it. How glittery was the oil?

If it's a broken gearbox I acquired a 16 engine the other day and it came with a gearbox....have not split it yet or fiddled but you are welcome to it for a little beer money if you need to. I can gather more info if you need it

[Scottspencer]

That would be great, yes please. Is it the 4 speed or 5 speed. How much beer money would you like and whereabouts are you? Thanks

[S2Zetec54]

Hi Scottspencer, I'll ping you a message

[GavinT]

I believe it’s the 336. Linkage appears to be ok. It could be the 352, unfortunately the tag no longer exists plus the serial number is partially worn away.
Numbers that are visible are 7700522….

I believe it's more likely to be a 352.
That seems to be what Renault installed in the R15/R17 which was on the R12 platform.
Check me on this but I think some of the 1298cc cars may have used a different diff ratio.
Got a pic?

[jbcollier]

Sorry, you are going to have to disassemble your transaxle and see what's up.  If there is space, you might be able to pull off the rear cover for an inspection while it is still in the car.

Do you have a workshop manual?  If not, get one!  Factory manuals can be found on ebay.

A parts manual can be found here:

http://www.lotus-europa.com/manuals/misc/r17_trans.pdf

[S2Zetec54]

……ScottSpencer

I have had a look at a few pictures of a few R15 engine bays and I don't think a R16 gearbox will be any good for you

[Scottspencer]

I’ve found a gearbox in Spain. I think I may have to take the plunge and get a replacement. At worst I’ve got a complete set of spares!

[dakazman]

   Its not a complete loss either.
  Parting out pieces can be very lucrative, so think about it as an investment.  thats what I tell my wife anyhow 
   Chapter E is still new to me but some here are experts that can help you along

Dakazman