Fill Gearbox..

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Zaphod
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Fill Gearbox..

Post by Zaphod »

My gearbox has no oil in it, I believe it has been drained, however how is it refilled when its in the car? I can see not way of accessing the filler plug and the service notes seem very vague ion the subject
Of all the things I have lost I think I miss my mind the most...

1952 MG TD
1957 MGA 1500
1959 Austin Healey Sprite
1975 MG Midget 1500
1990 Lotus Excel

Marten
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Re: Fill Gearbox..

Post by Marten »

Zaphod wrote:
Sun Jun 26, 2022 21:14
My gearbox has no oil in it, I believe it has been drained, however how is it refilled when its in the car? I can see not way of accessing the filler plug and the service notes seem very vague ion the subject
The filler plug is a 17mm bolt just in front of the switch above the exhaust on the lh side. Use a syringe, or drill a hole in the bottlecap for a close fitting transparent pvc hose which goes to the bottom to pump the oil in. Some way of GENTLY pressurizing the bottle with compressd air is luxury

It is also possible to fil the box through the gearlever hole (as when you just have put the engine back in) but then you're messing with smelly oil in the interior of the car.

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rbgosling
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Re: Fill Gearbox..

Post by rbgosling »

I used to use one of these old-school oil cans, but my thumb got very sore:

Image

Then I bought something like this - much better.

Image
"Farmer" Richard

1990 Lotus Excel SE (Lilith)
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rbgosling
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Re: Fill Gearbox..

Post by rbgosling »

You can see the filler plug on the LH side of the gearbox quite clearly in this picture (the electrical cable, which is for the reversing light switch, is resting on it):

Image
"Farmer" Richard

1990 Lotus Excel SE (Lilith)
2022 MG MG5 EV (not due to be a classic for quite a few years...)
2011 Nissan Leaf (Ragly - EV pioneer, must be due to be a classic one day)

Zaphod
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Re: Fill Gearbox..

Post by Zaphod »

Yes I had the filler plug out and put my finger in to see if it had oil,,, it didn’t but as I needed to get the engine back in and I had no oil at the time I didn’t fill it. However I have yet to put the gearstick back on and have all the interior out of the car so I think I will remove the full plug and place a drip tray under the car and fill the gearbox..rill it leaks from the fill hole (I assume that would be correct?)
Of all the things I have lost I think I miss my mind the most...

1952 MG TD
1957 MGA 1500
1959 Austin Healey Sprite
1975 MG Midget 1500
1990 Lotus Excel

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Tanz
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Re: Fill Gearbox..

Post by Tanz »

Does this help

Image
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KevW
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Re: Fill Gearbox..

Post by KevW »

I've been checking my Excel handbook for the correct spec gearbox and diff oil. The hanbook states the gearbox takes 75W/90 GL5 oil and the diff requires "SAE 90 GL5".

Am I right in thinking this means the same spec oil is suitable for box and diff?
Kev W no.282

Marten
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Re: Fill Gearbox..

Post by Marten »

KevW wrote:
Mon Aug 08, 2022 20:20
I've been checking my Excel handbook for the correct spec gearbox and diff oil. The hanbook states the gearbox takes 75W/90 GL5 oil and the diff requires "SAE 90 GL5".

Am I right in thinking this means the same spec oil is suitable for box and diff?
these are different oils, multi-grade 75W/90 has a different viscosity than straight 90. Don't know about additives

KevW
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Re: Fill Gearbox..

Post by KevW »

Thanks for the advice
Kev W no.282

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Lotus-e-Clan
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Re: Fill Gearbox..

Post by Lotus-e-Clan »

On filling the gearbox, I use an electric pump which I first bought to do engine oil changes on the Smart Roadster (no sump plug as std!).

Really useful bit of kit for the garage. Wouldn't be without one now. :)

ebay link below

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/314095773763 ... SwKZZi64BT
Peter K

Pete Boole
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Re: Fill Gearbox..

Post by Pete Boole »

Peter - do you run something through it afterwards to clean it?

Pete

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Lotus-e-Clan
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Re: Fill Gearbox..

Post by Lotus-e-Clan »

Pete Boole wrote:
Thu Aug 11, 2022 17:45
Peter - do you run something through it afterwards to clean it?

Pete
Hello Pete


No, I never have. But probably should.

So far, used it for oil changes on the Smart. Transaxle refill on the Clan and gearbox on Lotus.
Plus removing 60 litres of Diesel and water from my Camper van's fresh water tank after my son mistook the water tank filler neck for the fuel filler the first time I lent him the van! :evil:

Managed to separate the diesel from the water (natural separation), then pumped the diesel into cans for reuse in the van and his diesel Merc, with no issues, lucky for him.
Cleaned the water tank with industrial detergent (food grade). Again, using the 12 volt pump. Really useful bit of kit in my garage at least! :lol:
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mk2zetec
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Re: Fill Gearbox..

Post by mk2zetec »

i bought a pump bottle off amazon with a hooked end that slots into the filler hole. works a treat for £17.
Draper 23242 Multi-Purpose Engine Oil/Transmission/Brake Fluid

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