I've had my 1 previous owner NB8A 5 speed for about 7 years and rarely dríven it. If it wasn't from the start , certainly after a couple of years I noticed what I felt was stiffness and notchiness in the gear shift. Particularly when cold. And I think especially into second.
I mentioned it to a couple of general mechanics over the years during servicing but both times the response was, "that's just how they are" and "the gearbox oil is fine".
After finally getting round to doing my own research here and on other forums I realised there was this turret reservoir. Of course mine was dry and both boots were perished. So I cleaned it out, refilled it, replaced the white plastic cup bush and both boots. And the shifting is much improved. I also degreased under the car around the gearbox
However, I started noticing burning gear oil. I hoped it was just from my clean up and would burn off but it didn't. Pulled the console off again and could see oil seeping out around the turret. Went back through the guides and I believe I overfilled the turret. There was no gasket and I had previously seen no reference to using sealant. This time I used an RTV silicone under the lower boot. Only topped up oil to the lower level. Also cleaned everything up again under the car.
The burning gear oil smell was reduced but it didn't go away completely. So pulled the console out yet again and it looks like there is still some weeping through the 4 screw holes? So I cleaned them and put RTV in the holes as well this time. Hopefully that's the end of the matter but haven't tested as yet.
