CL350 shifter tolerance

[emcarthu]

I've got about a 3/8" in and out travel on my shifter on my 73' CL350. not an up and down movement but the actual shaft can slide in and out of the case less than a 1/4" can anyone tell me if this is normal ? It seems to be leaking oil from this area. Thanks for your help!

 

[xb33bsa]

that does seem excessive there is a chance the cast in piece in thr clutch cover case has broke off,this limits sideplay so the mechanism doesn't crash into the spinning clutch basket
also the shift shaft seal could be leeking its an easy fix