On way to Stoneleigh, my gearbox started whining on over-run (5th) I changed to 4th and everything was normal. A little later back in 5th, an expensive grating sound forced me to immediately change back to 4th!
By this time, Stoneleigh was closer than home, so I continued the rest of the way in 4th. When we got to the start / stop traffic entering the showground, I only had 4th gear available. Horrible noises from the rest!
After a good day at the show, and the gearbox oil topped up!, All gears were back to normal.
Gearbox has lost about 1/4 ltr oil (collected in tray) just sitting on drive in a week!

My dilemma is, what is my best route?

Should I try to fix leak and run gearbox as is.
or
Have gearbox reconditioned.
or
Look for replacement.

Gearbox is Renault 18 transaxle (ng3) with adapter plate mated to a 2.0 dohc efi Ford

4th gear, is the only gear on a lot of boxes that does not need the lay gear shaft to operate, as it locks straight onto the mainshaft.so I think you may have broken something on the Layshaft assembly.
Steve

[Edited on 13/5/07 by stevec]

But as all gears operated normally on the way back. Just wondering if any lasting damage could've been done?

Perhaps check the selector linkage and give it a few miles to see how it goes, but You dont get orrible noises missing gears and grating noises without something being wrong.
Steve.