Still having the weird Trans issue

[FirstSpider]

So a while back I discovered that whenever I shifted my 1981 Spider (Manual) into reverse the shifter vibrated, and made almost a grinding noise, but the car remained stationary, yes I pushed down on the lever to shift into reverse, and the clutch is definitely disengaging, I was gonna try and change the transmission oil today, but when I got under the car this is what I found: http://www.flickr.com/photos/72984020@N ... hotostream Is this normal? I didn't investigat it too much, but it just doesn't look right to me, there's no bolt sticking out of it. any advice on how to change the tranny oil, or what to do to fix my transmission would be greatly appreciated. thanks so much for everything guys.

[So Cal Mark]

it uses a 12mm allen wrench

[FirstSpider]

it uses a 12mm allen wrench

Thanks so much, Any advice regarding my transmission issue?

[Exit98]

Don't drain the gearbox oil until you are sure you can unscrew the fill bolt up on the side of the trans. It is very easy to round off. Get the car up as high as comfortable and get a box wrench on the fill bolt and don't pull it at an angle. Guess why I know.

[FirstSpider]

Don't drain the gearbox oil until you are sure you can unscrew the fill bolt up on the side of the trans. It is very easy to round off. Get the car up as high as comfortable and get a box wrench on the fill bolt and don't pull it at an angle. Guess why I know.

Outch! how did you fix that? what size box wrench will I need?

[So Cal Mark]

17mm and make sure you use the lower fill plug

[Exit98]

My friendly local gas station put it on a lift and wrestled with it a half hour or so. All OK now, I hadn't drained it so I was OK.

Anyway, 15 mm or 17 mm, can't remember. You'll be fine, just be careful.

If you're lucky it might just solve your reverse problem.

Good luck.