Have just acquired race spec 1300 with Type 2 GT box. When it was on the trailer and tilted nose up, the gearbox started to leak, I assumed around the oil seal for the propshaft sleeve/uj. I've been checking this over a few days I now find that the oil seal is fine and bone dry but that the oil is leaking from the inside of the sleeve/uj. How? Why? Escorts were always parked on hills without a problem. Its been a while since I dabbled with Fords - could it just have been overfilled or is there something more sinister. Any answers gratefully appreciated or else I won't be at Brands on Sunday. Many thanks.

Is this with the propshaft in or out?

Most gearboxes dribble a little oil into the back of the box to keep the splines lubricated - there's usually a seal to keep it in when the propshaft is fitted.

If you take the prop out then a dribble of oil is expected.

With prop-shaft in (although now removed) and a decent puddle, not a drip or two.

I can think of 2 possibilities - the seal is knackered, or the surface the seal moves over is rough (or both!)

Thats the problem - the seal is fine. There is no oil getting past it. The oil that drips drains into the uj's from between the splines - and I can only think there is too much in there.