Gearbox oil Turbo

[John S]

Hi,

Any of you have much experience of changing the gearbox oil on turbos? How do you go about it?

cheers,

John

[E_T_V]

Same as for all the other 2 litre cars.

Undo the drain plug at the bottom of the box (use the end of a ratchet in the square hole).

2.2 litres ish should come out.

Then replace the drain plug

Then crack open the filler bolt on the side of the box near the n/s inner CV joint. I think it is a 17mm bolt and is often stupidly tight considering it doesn't actually retain anything!

Use a funnel with some tubing taped to it to pour oil into the hole until oil comes back out (remove the tube occasioanlly to make sure you aren't overfilling it). It should take 2-2.2 litres.

Use MTF94 if possible as that is what was recommended for the later T16 turbo boxes.

[oseerees]

It's 3.5 pints, ie: 2 litres.

Don't overfill! ...it is possible if the car is not on level - seen people jack the car up one side and get 2.5 litres in!

I find the best way is to have one of the 'older' type 1 litre plastic gearbox-oil containers that came with a long tube fitted (I still use mine from the 70s!). If you have the plastic wheelarch guards out of the way (I don't have them fitted anyway), you just stick the tube in the filler hole, and then holding the container up the inside of the arch let gravity do the rest with the odd squeezing.

This way you know exactly how much you are putting in. Saves making an oily mess not using the 'fill until it comes out' process.

Plus the box never fully empties when draining, even more so if car is not level.

[John S]

Thanks for the tips. Would you recommend putting in any additives to the gearbox oil such as slick 50 or are they a waste of money? Btw, I was thinking the same - measure the amount coming out and only add a tad more than what came out if that makes any sense.

[John S]

I have been unable to find the drain plug so far. Anyone got a diagram I can refer to? I can't find my Montego Turbo manual.

[henocsr]

The drain plug is on the side of the gearbox, just below where the nearside (short) driveshaft goes into the box.

It is a 3/8 square drive the only one on the gearbox. There is a washer behind it though i have never had to change a washer after changing the oil.

[oseerees]

A pic says more than words...;)

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y148/montybay/102_6070.jpg

Plugs painted white.
Drain at bottom, just above wood block
Filler right of driveshaft seal.

Obviously easy here as no suspension nor driveshaft in the way!:D

[John S]

What can I say? First class. No chance of me not finding them now. Guess these gearboxes are not a user repairable part in the eyes of the manufacturer so it's never obvious. :)

[G51 NAV]

I think this thread makes a jolly good FAQ candidate...

[John S]

I managed to get 3 pints in but did not let it overflow. Is this enough? Car seems to be driving fine.

[E_T_V]

More needed

1.7 litres you've filled.

It'll need 2-2.2 litres to fill.

What oil are you using?

Lack of oil is the biggest killer of PG1 gearboxes out there.

[John S]

MTF 94 as recommended. I will put some more in some point soon then. I am not driving the car much at the moment anyway.

Thanks.