gearbox

[dave123]

i just changed my gearbox oil after 2 years . so I found this site saying it takes 3.5ltrs of ep80w-90 gl4 . but when I drain it I took out about 5ltr container and I have about half ltr left in the oil tray . what damage would that of done to the box http://www.commaoil.com/products/results/91008284/1

 

[AlexD333]

One of my old threads with rick covered the amount, would not want to guess now though

 

[dave123]

One of my old threads with rick covered the amount, would not want to guess now though

I know the amount as I looked in the workshop manual . it says 3.6ltr . what I trying to find out is would over filling it by 2ltrs cause any damage if so what ?

 

[solarman216]

no damage other than maybe oil issuing from the gear stick and running down outside of box, but how do you get to over fill by that amount, it is filled by the level plug, Rick

 

[rustic]

no damage other than maybe oil issuing from the gear stick and running down outside of box, but how do you get to over fill by that amount, it is filled by the level plug, Rick

Some were adding 250ml extra by jacking up one side. To help reduce an oil starvation problem on the earlier boxes.
A few members were filling the box via the gear stick cover plate.

 

[dave123]

no damage other than maybe oil issuing from the gear stick and running down outside of box, but how do you get to over fill by that amount, it is filled by the level plug, Rick

I have no idea it wasn't me . we just changed it today because it was starting to whine when the box had to work hard . so I had just under 4ltrs of oil to put in out of a 5ltr container and all that went in then I thought I would pour the old back in the container and it filled that and left 1/2 ltr in the tray

 

[solarman216]

Mmmmm a good point Rustic, I have to say my lay shaft rattle is better at some angles than others, so when time permits will try over filling to see what difference it makes, Rick

 

[Gazza]

The layshaft is lower in the gearbox so should be fully submerged in oil at all angles. My gearbox is currently in bits in my workshop (been there for months but rebuild due soon as weather is getting warmer)The drive shaft is higher in gearbox and I found the front bearing on this was the worst condition but not as bad as I was expecting.
I took pictures of the inside of gearbox to show where the fill plug level would be in relation to the shafts/bearings on a previous post.

 

[solarman216]

The layshaft is lower in the gearbox so should be fully submerged in oil at all angles. My gearbox is currently in bits in my workshop (been there for months but rebuild due soon as weather is getting warmer)The drive shaft is higher in gearbox and I found the front bearing on this was the worst condition but not as bad as I was expecting.
I took pictures of the inside of gearbox to show where the fill plug level would be in relation to the shafts/bearings on a previous post.

Thanks Gazza, I have yet to strip a T2 manual box have one in a shed but no time to play, will do one day, Rick ps just thought if you need spares I have several transfer boxes,

 

[Gazza]

Thanks Rick but got one off ebay sometime ago (£20). Havn't opened it yet to check condition though but guess its ok as like most don't suppose its had a great deal of use.

 

[dave123]

since I have changed my oil . I went out today and when it's cold I can't get 1st into 2nd gear unless the car has stopped moving or 2nd to 1st . would this be the box knackered or on it's way out . I was thinking if the bloke I brought it from over filled the box so much to make the gears easier to change . because he knew it was on it's way out

 

[macabethiel]

Gearbox oil woes

I can't see how overfilling the gearbox is going to make any difference to the gearchange problems you are experiencing.

Extra oil is going to mean that when the box is turning at higher speeds the oil mist level will be hampered by a reduction of space leading to higher chance of oil leaks due to higher fluid levels and pressure on the seals.

You mention the gearbox noise levels under load leading to you deciding to change the oil so there is an issue beforehand.

Did the old oil appear to be the same sort of visocity ? I know its hard to tell just by looking at it when you drained the old oil but maybe it had a thinner oil before the change.

Many years ago I had a Mk 1Astra with a 5 speed manual gearbox and it used to be difficult to select first gear when cold and had a layshaft sort of clatter when it was warm.
As it was still under warranty I took it back to the Main Dealer and it was subject to a gearbox oil service measure.

They cured the problem but were reluctant to give me details as to the fix but when pressed they said the transmission fluid had been replaced wholly or in part not sure which with ATF ! As you probably know automatic transmission fluid might be thin but it is an extreme pressure oil so there was no danger of subsequent bearing failure. It's so long ago I do not know how much they put in but it worked on my vehicle.