Checking gear box oil

[Negativegravity]

Hi guys, the drivers side seal at the CV joint is leaking a little oil. We're going away in 3 weeks to spain in the camper and just wanted to check that there is actually enough oil in there!

However, when underneath, I can see the obvious drain plug but I couldnt find the fill plug anywhere!? I know that my van has had an engine replacement (unfortunately a down grade from the already underpowered 1.7 to a 1.6 diesel) in the past, and I believe that it was from an old Jetta (according to engine codes).

So,
1. Where is it normally?
2. Any ideas where it could be in these pics?

Cheers

[itchyfeet]

filler plug is by the gear selector, hard to see as it's behind the linkage

[Negativegravity]

Cheers, driver or passenger side?

[Oldiebut goodie]

Linkage side!!!!

[itchyfeet]

drivers side if it's a RHD, passenger side if it's a LHD, just look for the linkage and it's behind it

[ghost123uk]

And if you are going to renew the oil (and it makes sense to) - remember the golden rule = make sure you can get the filler plug off (they can be tight !) before you drain the oil

[leroiandjayne]

so how do i find out how much oil is actually in there?,i have got replace the linkage on thursday so i can get at it at the same time.as you've probably guessed im not too hot on mechanics!!!!. thanks

[ghost123uk]

As said, if you are going that far, you might as well drain what is in there, (especially if you do not know how old it is !!) and replace it with the correct amount and grade of oil (details on our wiki, link at top left of every page on here).

It's simply not worth going to the trouble of clambering about underneath and not changing it.

Tip = a funnel and a length of garden hosepipe from filler, up into the the engine bay, plus warming the oil up in hot water for 1/2 an hour makes filling it a LOT easier

[ghost123uk]

From the wiki =

New owners - Check your gearbox oil level, whatever you have been told about previous servicing!

It has come to our notice over several years, that many gearbox problems and indeed, total gearbox failures are caused not by simple wear and tear, but by a simple lack of oil. These vehicles are now old, and gearboxes can slowly leak oil. Very often this is because the castings (particularly early ones) corrode, and the sections ease apart, allowing slow but consistent weeping/leaking. THis can sometimes easily be fixed, but read on...

Many garages do not think about (nor are paid to) check the gearbox oil level. It is not a normal service item. It is not a 5 minute job, indeed, without draining and refilling, there is no easy way to accurately determine the actual level. It may be possible to estimate it without dropping and refreshing the oil.

BOLD bit by me

[ghost123uk]

The wiki seems to getting in a bit of a mess re gearbox oils. Aiden (who of course knows his stuff) tells us that =

Aidan writes= "please can the reference to Redline MT90 be pulled from the WIKI, I do not recommend this oil at all.. - the carplan 75w/90 gl4/gl5 is what I use"

And I think it is TooManyToys saying "I used SX70W90 Semi-synthetic GL-5 Oil in both, a Comma style cheapie (for a synthetic), but probably as good or better than many non-synths"

Both these should be good advice, but they are listed under "Syncro Gearbox and dif oil" - Using the search term "gearbox oil" I cannot find the main gearbox oil section

Best (but long winded) info is linked in the wiki to here = https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... 1#p7620828" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Perhaps Aiden or similar guru could write the pertinent info and do a definitive for the wiki ?

I have done both or vans with Comma 75/90 Gl4 (Eurocarparts)

[fairwynds]

...as above re oil grades. My tuppence worth:-
the filler plug (and the drain plug iirc) are tapered. It is barely noticeable, but they are tapered, so when replacing the plug, do not be tempted to overtighten it, its really not necessary and will only cause headaches later on when it comes to be removed. (info from the nice people at VW Heritage....).
You can make a 'dipstick' to check level. Place van on level ground and let oil settle and cool. Remove filler plug. Use the end of a cable tie, bent at 90 degrees and snipped with scissors to a length of (3mm from memory, but check this with Haynes etc). Push the cable tie into filler hole and rest it horizontally on the lower thread of the hole. Lift up and out, and you (hopefully) should see a drop of oil on the end.
Best advice is to change whats in there anyway, that way you know grade/quantity/condition of box (to an extent, by colour and smell of old oil and the amount of 'fir tree' on the magnetic drain plug).
I have same issue with the inner CV joint gasket at the gearbox. There is apparently a special tool to help remove/replace the faulty bit. Its all been covered on here in great, photographic detail. So you should be able to find lots of advice and tips when you come to do the repair.
Good luck with your trip..

[ghost123uk]

3.5 Litres by the way (according to my Haynes anyway )

[clift_d]

3.5 Litres by the way (according to my Haynes anyway )

Bentley says to fill to 15mm below the filler hole, which they say comes out at 3.0 litres for petrol transmissions and 4.0 litres for diesel transmissions.

[ghost123uk]

Aye, I bet the Haynes should read "3.5 Litres from dry".

Another reason we need Aiden or TMT etc to do a write up for the wiki

[fairwynds]

When I did this a while back I became so confused with the various answers that I phone Aiden:

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=100634" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

4 Litres for a 1.9DG four speed box....

I agree, could we please have a definative update in the WIKI, from someone that actually know his stuff I get the beers in..