This is the tail of the diff housing on a remote gearbox.

There is a small rectangular cutout that, when bolted to the remote housing, leaves a gap on the top side, where oil and grit can enter.
I can't remember what should be in that gap and parts catalogues don't seem to mention it.

This might be it - number 66 in the illustration or 22A1373
https://www.somerfordmini.co.uk/manual- ... earchanges

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Thanks Tony. I had forgotten that too.
When I bought the car in 1975 it had already had engine work done to it and that plate was missing.
Since I didn't have access to tech drawings at the time, I had to make my own. It may not be original but at least it has kept the muck out of the linkages.

Thanks Tim.
That has prodded the memory into functioning. Can now remember trying to fit the remote housing and not letting that rubber filler strip from falling into the housing.
I also seem to remember the rubber turning to mush due to the oil and grease in there.
Will make something suitable.

Thanks Bill, my two gearboxes are missing said plate. Time to make a couple. Thanks eightfifty for the drawing.

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1970 Mk2 Cooper S under restoration

Does anyone know what the purpose of the slot rebated into the mating surface next to the large hole that is covered by the metal plate? I have had a couple of housings like this and it must be factory, but the slot creates an opening that seems to rather defeat the point of sealing all the other holes up. I had wondered if it was added to provide some 'breathing' after the metal plate was introduced.