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Gearbox oil level

Discussion in '360/430' started by KILOCHARLIE, Oct 7, 2014.

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  1. KILOCHARLIE

    KILOCHARLIE Formula Junior

    Oct 14, 2012
    321
    Cardiff, UK
    Full Name:
    KC
    #1 KILOCHARLIE, Oct 7, 2014
    In the process of changing my gearbox oil and wondering how much it should be filled by. All the guides I've read basically state to measure the amount coming out and add the same plus to also check the level on the dipstick on the filling hole.

    Before emptying my gearbox oil, I checked the dipstick when the car and oil was cold. Oil level showed 2mm over the max level. I then idle'd the car for around 20 mins as I couldn't drive it anywhere with a missing rear grill and bumper and then checked again. The gearbox was hot to the touch but I suspect nowhere up to full operating temp and the oil level was pretty much the same as when cold.

    I am about to fill with fresh oil after draining the filthy oil that was last changed 2 years ago and leaving to drain overnight. I also cleaned the mesh filter. Obviously the oil going in is cold but how much should it fill up to on the dipstick? Again I can't run the car up to normal temp and check again as I'd have to put the bumper back on and remove after a drive to check, which takes ages.

    I've heard the workshop manual states to run the car for 2 mins at idle, then let it sit for 5mins, but I can't see anything relating to this and I'm sure the oil temp won't budge an inch in that short time.

    Capacity wise, the gearbox holds 3.5ltrs but only 2.5ltrs drained out of mine despite it showing over max at cold.

    Also is there anything else worth doing when the whole of the rear of the car is accessible?

    Thanks for any advice.
     
  2. FerrariDublin

    FerrariDublin F1 Rookie

    Jun 14, 2009
    3,454
    Dublin, Ireland
    Full Name:
    Greg
    #2 FerrariDublin, Oct 7, 2014
    Bottom line replace the extracted oil to achieve the same level after as before. Method of measure is as you describe - run for a short period, allow to stand for a few minutes, dip.

    Pretty sure I normally use about 3.3 litres. I buy four bottles one year and three the next. Don't know why more wouldn't drain out for you.

    Other things? Take grill off at exhaust exit and reprint or rust-treat if necessary. Drill hole in side of under-bumper in order to access mesh filter without having to remove in future (as per DIY thread in sticky). Is the floor off? Check condition of cables on alternator? Spanner-check for tightness and examine for leaks anywhere. Give bumper a good polish and wax with DA while off the car?
     
  3. voicey

    voicey Formula 3

    Jul 29, 2009
    1,193
    London, UK
    Full Name:
    Aldous Voice
    #3 voicey, Oct 8, 2014
    You need to blow compressed air down the pipe that goes to the heat exchanger to get all of it out. However, if you just change it annually as you have done so then you'll be fine.
     
  4. LV360

    LV360 Karting

    May 1, 2014
    81
    Las Vegas, NV
    #4 LV360, Oct 8, 2014
    There is a dipstick. Mine took about 3 quarts. If you're ordering oil, purchase 4 quarts and you'll have more than enough.
     
  5. KILOCHARLIE

    KILOCHARLIE Formula Junior

    Oct 14, 2012
    321
    Cardiff, UK
    Full Name:
    KC
    #5 KILOCHARLIE, Oct 8, 2014
    Thanks guys, good tips. Which is the line that leads to the heat exchanger? I haven't got a compressor at home apart from a tyre pump but would a hose and a good blow (!) down it do the trick?

    Also cracking tip on the back of the exhaust tip grills. I will coat with some anti rust paint for piece of mind. I also covered the exhaust tips with some masking tape and sprayed the twin pipes with some vht black paint while they were exposed as they looked a bit ugly when you view the car from low down.

    Finally just out of curiosity. Is it possible to over fill the gearbox? If so what would happen? I'm still quite surprised at the level being over the max mark when removing the cold old oil.

    Thanks again.
     
  6. Skippr1999

    Skippr1999 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 22, 2009
    4,513
    #6 Skippr1999, Oct 8, 2014
    The dip stick level is almost to where it would overflow, so I can't imagine really over filling it.
     
  7. FerrariDublin

    FerrariDublin F1 Rookie

    Jun 14, 2009
    3,454
    Dublin, Ireland
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    Greg
    #7 FerrariDublin, Oct 9, 2014
    There are two metal-braided lines that go from the gearbox into the heart of the "V" of the engine. Those are the pipes. I don't think you'll get anywhere without "shop air" as you're going to need to flow high volume as opposed to high pressure.

    Yes. it's possible to overfill if you are careless. I don't know what would happen but there is obviously potential for damage otherwise there would be no Max mark on the dipstick. Obviously the more over Max you go the greater potential for damage. A small bit over is not likely to cause a problem.
     
  8. English Rebel

    English Rebel Formula 3

    Aug 13, 2013
    2,158
    Piedmont Area of NC
    Full Name:
    Alan
    #8 English Rebel, Oct 9, 2014
    I wouldn't think there is more than a pint of oil in the heat exchanger and lines -- nothing to worry about.
    Alan
     

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