How much oil should a gearbox have in it?

[Michael C]

When I bought my car the only modification it had to it was a different
gearknob and the guy seemed to be pretty proud of his gearknob. Last night I
took it out to put in a short shifter I bought off ebay and I must say I'm
glad it was the only thing he'd done to the car. The new gearlevel used grub
screws that damaged the original thread and he'd used electric tape and a
hose clamp to fix up problems with the gearknob not fitting quite right. But
the worst thing was he's filled the gearbox full to the brim with oil. It
was so full that when I unbolted the gearlever assembly off the top of the
gearbox oil came out and the oil was level with the top of the gearlever
opening. Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm sure a gearbox should only be
around half full of oil. Is that likely to damage the gearbox? It's been
like this for at least 2.5 years.

[Feral]

Michael C wrote:
> When I bought my car the only modification it had to it was a different
> gearknob and the guy seemed to be pretty proud of his gearknob. Last night I
> took it out to put in a short shifter I bought off ebay and I must say I'm
> glad it was the only thing he'd done to the car. The new gearlevel used grub
> screws that damaged the original thread and he'd used electric tape and a
> hose clamp to fix up problems with the gearknob not fitting quite right. But
> the worst thing was he's filled the gearbox full to the brim with oil. It
> was so full that when I unbolted the gearlever assembly off the top of the
> gearbox oil came out and the oil was level with the top of the gearlever
> opening. Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm sure a gearbox should only be
> around half full of oil. Is that likely to damage the gearbox? It's been
> like this for at least 2.5 years.
>
>
Like the little Dutch boy with the Dyke, if you stick
your "pinkie" in the filler hole in the side of the box
and it touches oil, it's "full". I'd say you've got
enough to fill your spare box. He did supply one? :-)

--

Take care,
Feral

[Michael C]

"Feral" <plonked@home.ru> wrote in message
news:4283cf1f$0$27873$61c65585@un-2park-reader-01.sydney.pipenetworks.com.au...
> Like the little Dutch boy with the Dyke, if you stick your "pinkie" in the
> filler hole in the side of the box and it touches oil, it's "full". I'd
> say you've got enough to fill your spare box. He did supply one? :-)

Only spare I got was the old gearknob which I've now put back on. I'll do a
full replace of the oil in the box on the weekend.

Is it possible this is a dodgy trick to quieten down a noisy box before
selling a car? It might also be the answer to my previous post about the
slipping clutch, although the box was so full of oil I doubt any could have
leaked out.

Michael

[JD]

Michael C wrote:

> When I bought my car the only modification it had to it was a different
> gearknob and the guy seemed to be pretty proud of his gearknob. Last night
> I took it out to put in a short shifter I bought off ebay and I must say
> I'm glad it was the only thing he'd done to the car. The new gearlevel
> used grub screws that damaged the original thread and he'd used electric
> tape and a hose clamp to fix up problems with the gearknob not fitting
> quite right. But the worst thing was he's filled the gearbox full to the
> brim with oil. It was so full that when I unbolted the gearlever assembly
> off the top of the gearbox oil came out and the oil was level with the top
> of the gearlever opening. Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm sure a gearbox
> should only be around half full of oil. Is that likely to damage the
> gearbox? It's been like this for at least 2.5 years.

Won't hurt the gearbox, but likely to induce a leak onto the clutch, which
will not like the oil.
JD

[Fraser Johnston]

"Michael C" <me@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:4283caf7$0$79458$14726298@news.sunsite.dk...
> When I bought my car the only modification it had to it was a different
> gearknob and the guy seemed to be pretty proud of his gearknob. Last night
> I took it out to put in a short shifter I bought off ebay and I must say
> I'm glad it was the only thing he'd done to the car. The new gearlevel
> used grub screws that damaged the original thread and he'd used electric
> tape and a hose clamp to fix up problems with the gearknob not fitting
> quite right. But the worst thing was he's filled the gearbox full to the
> brim with oil. It was so full that when I unbolted the gearlever assembly
> off the top of the gearbox oil came out and the oil was level with the top
> of the gearlever opening. Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm sure a gearbox
> should only be around half full of oil. Is that likely to damage the
> gearbox? It's been like this for at least 2.5 years.

There should be a drain on the bottom of the box and an inspection hole on
the side. The oil should go up to the inspection hole.

Fraser

[Feral]

Michael C wrote:

> Is it possible this is a dodgy trick to quieten down a noisy box before
> selling a car?

Doubt it.

> It might also be the answer to my previous post about the
> slipping clutch,

Doubt it.

> although the box was so full of oil I doubt any could have
> leaked out.

I'd say the knob just thought it would be an opportunity
to top up the box. Let's face it, it isn't easy without
a hoist and all and he did have this big hole open. :-)

I also wonder if he used the right oil. :-(

--

Take care,
Feral

[Michael C]

"JD" <jjd@SPAMLESS.com.au> wrote in message
news:42841a29@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
> Won't hurt the gearbox, but likely to induce a leak onto the clutch, which
> will not like the oil.
> JD

I posted previous about clutch slipping problems. If I did some hard take
offs the clutch would slip for a couple of days and then come good. Although
the box is so full of oil that it doesn't look like any has been leaking
out. Then again it wouldn't take much oil.

> There should be a drain on the bottom of the box and an inspection hole on
> the side. The oil should go up to the inspection hole.

I will do that this weekend for sure. Anyone know what is the best oil to
put in a slightly worn box that crunches a bit going into second if you
change too quick?

Michael

[Fraser Johnston]

"Michael C" <me@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:428433a7$0$79452$14726298@news.sunsite.dk...
> "JD" <jjd@SPAMLESS.com.au> wrote in message
> news:42841a29@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
>> Won't hurt the gearbox, but likely to induce a leak onto the clutch,
>> which
>> will not like the oil.
>> JD
>
> I posted previous about clutch slipping problems. If I did some hard take
> offs the clutch would slip for a couple of days and then come good.
> Although the box is so full of oil that it doesn't look like any has been
> leaking out. Then again it wouldn't take much oil.
>
>> There should be a drain on the bottom of the box and an inspection hole
>> on the side. The oil should go up to the inspection hole.
>
> I will do that this weekend for sure. Anyone know what is the best oil to
> put in a slightly worn box that crunches a bit going into second if you
> change too quick?

Redline lightweight shockproof. Not cheap but fucking brilliant.

Fraser

[Michael C]

"Fraser Johnston" <fraser@jcis.com.au> wrote in message
news:3eis1nF3501tU1@individual.net...
> Redline lightweight shockproof. Not cheap but fucking brilliant.

Expensive is ok when you do it youself, overall it comes out pretty cheap.
I'll check it out.

Michael

[Fraser Johnston]

"Michael C" <me@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:42843c1a$0$79458$14726298@news.sunsite.dk...
> "Fraser Johnston" <fraser@jcis.com.au> wrote in message
> news:3eis1nF3501tU1@individual.net...
>> Redline lightweight shockproof. Not cheap but fucking brilliant.
>
> Expensive is ok when you do it youself, overall it comes out pretty cheap.
> I'll check it out.

About $150 for 4 litres. You only change it every 100,000ks though.

Fraser

[Toby Ponsenby]

On Fri, 13 May 2005 13:25:20 +0800, Fraser Johnston wrote:

> "Michael C" <me@nospam.com> wrote in message
> news:428433a7$0$79452$14726298@news.sunsite.dk...
>> "JD" <jjd@SPAMLESS.com.au> wrote in message
>> news:42841a29@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
>>> Won't hurt the gearbox, but likely to induce a leak onto the clutch,
>>> which
>>> will not like the oil.
>>> JD
>>
>> I posted previous about clutch slipping problems. If I did some hard take
>> offs the clutch would slip for a couple of days and then come good.
>> Although the box is so full of oil that it doesn't look like any has been
>> leaking out. Then again it wouldn't take much oil.
>>
>>> There should be a drain on the bottom of the box and an inspection hole
>>> on the side. The oil should go up to the inspection hole.
>>
>> I will do that this weekend for sure. Anyone know what is the best oil to
>> put in a slightly worn box that crunches a bit going into second if you
>> change too quick?
>
> Redline lightweight shockproof. Not cheap but fucking brilliant.
>
> Fraser

Hmm, despite the fact that he hasn't fucked off and killed himself....

A cheaper (another) and more or less equivalent alternative is
Mobiltrans SHC 50. Or the 30, if you're game and you think the trans
isn't too bad at this point. SHC is the operative part of the name.

Seen many comments on forums about over-filling gearboxes, and aside
from the fact that designers probably know what they're doing the
consensus seems to me that 'slight' over-filling can't hurt because it
may help with heat issues. But hell, how hot do gearboxes actually
get? Certainly not hot enough to oxidize shite oils to any appreciable
extent.
So I dunno - it's probably all bullshit.
--
Toby.
quidquid latine dictum
sit, altum viditur

[Michael C]

"Fraser Johnston" <fraser@jcis.com.au> wrote in message
news:3eisvnF3ck2tU1@individual.net...
> About $150 for 4 litres. You only change it every 100,000ks though.

The current oil's probably up to 138,000ks + any winding back of the clock
that might have ocurred mixed with some oil that is probably 30,000ks old.
$150 is pretty expensive but probably about the same a dealer would charge
to put cheapo oil in. Where do you get it? Will it help with the older box?

Michael

[atec]

Toby Ponsenby wrote:
> On Fri, 13 May 2005 13:25:20 +0800, Fraser Johnston wrote:
>
>
>>"Michael C" <me@nospam.com> wrote in message
>>news:428433a7$0$79452$14726298@news.sunsite.dk...
>>
>>>"JD" <jjd@SPAMLESS.com.au> wrote in message
>>>news:42841a29@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
>>>
>>>>Won't hurt the gearbox, but likely to induce a leak onto the clutch,
>>>>which
>>>>will not like the oil.
>>>>JD
>>>
>>>I posted previous about clutch slipping problems. If I did some hard take
>>>offs the clutch would slip for a couple of days and then come good.
>>>Although the box is so full of oil that it doesn't look like any has been
>>>leaking out. Then again it wouldn't take much oil.
>>>
>>>
>>>>There should be a drain on the bottom of the box and an inspection hole
>>>>on the side. The oil should go up to the inspection hole.
>>>
>>>I will do that this weekend for sure. Anyone know what is the best oil to
>>>put in a slightly worn box that crunches a bit going into second if you
>>>change too quick?
>>
>>Redline lightweight shockproof. Not cheap but fucking brilliant.
>>
>>Fraser
>
>
> Hmm, despite the fact that he hasn't fucked off and killed himself....
>
> A cheaper (another) and more or less equivalent alternative is
> Mobiltrans SHC 50. Or the 30, if you're game and you think the trans
> isn't too bad at this point. SHC is the operative part of the name.
>
> Seen many comments on forums about over-filling gearboxes, and aside
> from the fact that designers probably know what they're doing the
> consensus seems to me that 'slight' over-filling can't hurt because it
> may help with heat issues. But hell, how hot do gearboxes actually
> get? Certainly not hot enough to oxidize shite oils to any appreciable
> extent.
> So I dunno - it's probably all bullshit.
Or about 89.00$ for the correct Lubrimaxx synth ,(4 litres)

[Fraser Johnston]

"Michael C" <me@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:4284416c$0$79465$14726298@news.sunsite.dk...
> "Fraser Johnston" <fraser@jcis.com.au> wrote in message
> news:3eisvnF3ck2tU1@individual.net...
>> About $150 for 4 litres. You only change it every 100,000ks though.
>
> The current oil's probably up to 138,000ks + any winding back of the clock
> that might have ocurred mixed with some oil that is probably 30,000ks old.
> $150 is pretty expensive but probably about the same a dealer would charge
> to put cheapo oil in. Where do you get it? Will it help with the older
> box?

I got mine from Conventrys. A lot of people stock it. It will definitely
help. WRXs have gearboxes made of glass and most of the drivers swear by
redline to keep them in one piece. Including me.

Fraser

[Feral]

Chris wrote:
> not always...
> sometimes it goes above the filler hole
> ie the gearbox on the 5L V8 commodore
> fill it up to the hole, then u have to add almost another litre to get the
> correct level
>
>
Magic, eh.
Must be messy. :-P

--

Take care,
Feral

[Phuoc Nghuy]

On Fri, 13 May 2005 15:01:51 +1000, Michael C wrote:


> I will do that this weekend for sure. Anyone know what is the best oil
> to put in a slightly worn box that crunches a bit going into second if
> you change too quick?
>
>
I am happy with how Penrite Manual Gear Oil 75 worked for me. The box was
baulking on 1 2 changes. The Penrite stuff improved it significantly,
giving smoother feeling shifts and is now a bit quieter. I was toying with
trying Redline or Honda box oil but the Penrite was cheaper.

Here's the specs http://www.penrite.com.au/pispdf/MGO7580.pdf

Phuoc

[What The]

Autobarn, $120 for 1 Gallon (3.78 litres).


"Michael C" <me@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:4284416c$0$79465$14726298@news.sunsite.dk...
> "Fraser Johnston" <fraser@jcis.com.au> wrote in message
> news:3eisvnF3ck2tU1@individual.net...
>> About $150 for 4 litres. You only change it every 100,000ks though.
>
> The current oil's probably up to 138,000ks + any winding back of the clock that
> might have ocurred mixed with some oil that is probably 30,000ks old. $150 is
> pretty expensive but probably about the same a dealer would charge to put cheapo
> oil in. Where do you get it? Will it help with the older box?
>
> Michael
>

[Chris]

nar it was fine, we just took the speedo sender out n filled it from there
;o)

[kevcat]

Michael C wrote:
>
> "Feral" <plonked@home.ru> wrote in message
> news:4283cf1f$0$27873$61c65585@un-2park-reader-01.sydney.pipenetworks.com.au...
> > Like the little Dutch boy with the Dyke, if you stick your "pinkie" in the
> > filler hole in the side of the box and it touches oil, it's "full". I'd
> > say you've got enough to fill your spare box. He did supply one? :-)
>
> Only spare I got was the old gearknob which I've now put back on. I'll do a
> full replace of the oil in the box on the weekend.
>
> Is it possible this is a dodgy trick to quieten down a noisy box before
> selling a car? It might also be the answer to my previous post about the
> slipping clutch, although the box was so full of oil I doubt any could have
> leaked out.
>
> Michael


AH HAH
gear box full to the top
gets hot
oil expands and has no where to go
so is forced out the seals
what is the under side of the car like around the output shaft seal?
probably find oil sprayed up around in that area too

Kev

[kevcat]

Toby Ponsenby wrote:
>
> On Fri, 13 May 2005 13:25:20 +0800, Fraser Johnston wrote:
>
> > "Michael C" <me@nospam.com> wrote in message
> > news:428433a7$0$79452$14726298@news.sunsite.dk...
> >> "JD" <jjd@SPAMLESS.com.au> wrote in message
> >> news:42841a29@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
> >>> Won't hurt the gearbox, but likely to induce a leak onto the clutch,
> >>> which
> >>> will not like the oil.
> >>> JD
> >>
> >> I posted previous about clutch slipping problems. If I did some hard take
> >> offs the clutch would slip for a couple of days and then come good.
> >> Although the box is so full of oil that it doesn't look like any has been
> >> leaking out. Then again it wouldn't take much oil.
> >>
> >>> There should be a drain on the bottom of the box and an inspection hole
> >>> on the side. The oil should go up to the inspection hole.
> >>
> >> I will do that this weekend for sure. Anyone know what is the best oil to
> >> put in a slightly worn box that crunches a bit going into second if you
> >> change too quick?
> >
> > Redline lightweight shockproof. Not cheap but fucking brilliant.
> >
> > Fraser
>
> Hmm, despite the fact that he hasn't fucked off and killed himself....
>
> A cheaper (another) and more or less equivalent alternative is
> Mobiltrans SHC 50. Or the 30, if you're game and you think the trans
> isn't too bad at this point. SHC is the operative part of the name.
>
> Seen many comments on forums about over-filling gearboxes, and aside
> from the fact that designers probably know what they're doing the
> consensus seems to me that 'slight' over-filling can't hurt because it
> may help with heat issues. But hell, how hot do gearboxes actually
> get? Certainly not hot enough to oxidize shite oils to any appreciable
> extent.
> So I dunno - it's probably all bullshit.

oil in truck gearboxes can get up to 90deg C under load with an oil
cooler

worked hard a car gearbox could get just as hot as they don't usually
have oil coolers fitted so rely on just air flow over the housing for
cooling

and of course autos can burn trans fluid if worked to hard

Kev