This diagnosis cannot be correct. We did speak-on the phone, I also ordered a paper gasket for the rear cover as well, and was looking for the 2 washers (103203) for the final drive/differential which you were unable to find. Back when all this happened, there was too much oil leaking (not really leaking-but pouring) way too fast- ruling out a bad seal. There was no way to continue driving like this-no oil in the transmission==seizing, and a badly slipping oil soaked clutch (which didn't shake the car violently or even at all). So, I did have to take out the transmission, split it (writing up a whole bunch of questions and posting them here-especially about what sealant to use to reassemble-thanks to the responses of you (Rob) and Dave Swingle, my transmission is now sealed up tight) finding that the cause of the massive oil leak was a large hole in the input shaft "guide tube". I did change all gaskets and seals (some I had on my shelf among my vast collection of DeLorean parts, some I ordered from you (Rob)) as well as lots of clips, pins, washers as well as both the shaft end lock nuts and of course, the input shaft guide tube. Again, this was all done months and months ago, along with replacing the rear main seal and the clutch disc. My transmission and engine both still fail to leak even a single drop of oil (very little seepage from 5th gear spring/ball plug is all I have). So, oil isn't the cause of this sudden problem. If I'm at a dead stop I have no choice but to start from second (I'd hate to crack a bracket), if I'm rolling I start in first, or second if I'm going fast enough for it. Mr. Hervey- I did replace the pilot bearing-I ordered it from you, as well as the rear main and gasket- from advance auto. I keep forgetting to send you my clutch discs to get relined; I'll make a note of it and get them out soon. Mr. Teitelbaum- I had to change my positive battery cable so I looked at everything yesterday- all engine mounts, transmission mounts, and brackets are solid, crack free and tightly fastened. Clutch isn't worn out yet, and even though the input shaft splines were lubed prior to clutch installation-it can still be a cause. Rob Grady- even though the causing of this isn't a leaky input shaft tube seal- I appreciate you taking the time to write this up trying to help me- thank you; and to everyone else whose been helping me try to identify the cause-thank you much! Looks like the only way to figure this out is to lower and pull back the transmission. Thanks again for all the input -----Dani B. #5003 To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address: moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see www.dmcnews.com To search the archives or view files, log in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: dmcnews-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/