Gearbox oil change
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- shrig1969
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Gearbox oil change
Following on from my previous post ( oil change is 4.5 litres enough?)
Tomorrow I intend to change the transmission oil.
Filler plug and drain plug are loose after applying some plus gas and borrowing a 17mm hex and breaker bar.
I have 5 litres of GL4 from Wilko's + half inch tubing and funnel.
My question is do I need to raise the front ( read it somewhere! ) to ensure all the old oil drains or is a level van satisfactory?
Tomorrow I intend to change the transmission oil.
Filler plug and drain plug are loose after applying some plus gas and borrowing a 17mm hex and breaker bar.
I have 5 litres of GL4 from Wilko's + half inch tubing and funnel.
My question is do I need to raise the front ( read it somewhere! ) to ensure all the old oil drains or is a level van satisfactory?
I am no mechanic, but I try......
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual
Re: Gearbox oil change
I have drained and topped up oil a few times and have always had mine level.
There shouldn't be too much of the old oil left if its warm and left to rest for a while before draining.
Check that you can remove the fill plug before draining!
There shouldn't be too much of the old oil left if its warm and left to rest for a while before draining.
Check that you can remove the fill plug before draining!

Westfalia pop-top 1990 1.6JX
- mrhutch
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Re: Gearbox oil change
nobbyfox wrote: Check that you can remove the fill plug before draining!
^^ This
is the most important part of the whole sorry procedure.
AMHIK
1981 Vanagon Westy Burning oil as fuel...
- shrig1969
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Re: Gearbox oil change
Thanks boys.
Will update you tomorrow....
Will update you tomorrow....
I am no mechanic, but I try......
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual
-
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Re: Gearbox oil change
Think I put 3.7 litres in when replacing mine 
Some have also put in some Molyslip GM6RA:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/232082202592" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Some have also put in some Molyslip GM6RA:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/232082202592" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
'86 DG, Weber Carb
- shrig1969
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Re: Gearbox oil change
Well for a first attempt, things went pretty well. I have taken a few photos for people to comment on. The only question I have is that it starting seeping out of the fill plug hole around 3.5 litres. The van was pretty much level front to back but slightly leaning down on the drivers side. Would it make that much of a difference? If the extra litre is required could I just drive up on my chocs ( drivers side front and rear ) and then add the rest? Am I ok to drive until I get a chance to top it up?

Looks ok to me considering its the first one I've seen close up.

Hard to gauge I know but did it need changing?

Hopefully a little clearer to judge.

one of many helpful tips from the wiki.

Looks ok to me considering its the first one I've seen close up.

Hard to gauge I know but did it need changing?

Hopefully a little clearer to judge.

one of many helpful tips from the wiki.
I am no mechanic, but I try......
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual
Re: Gearbox oil change
Factory manual says 15mm below filler hole. Also says for 4 speed wbx gearbox 1.5 liters cannot be drained. Capacity 3.0 liter.
1992 red lle 2.2 subaru 1990 rhd caravelle 2.2 subaru 1986 california import vanagon
- shrig1969
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Re: Gearbox oil change
multisi wrote:Factory manual says 15mm below filler hole. Also says for 4 speed wbx gearbox 1.5 liters cannot be drained. Capacity 3.0 liter.
Just concerned I have not put correct amount in. 15mm below if I had got the van exactly level?
Are you saying no matter how well I thought I had drained it there would still be 1.5 litres left in there?
I am no mechanic, but I try......
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual
Re: Gearbox oil change
How on earth are you meant to check if it's 15mm below the filler hole?
I can just about get my hand in to undo it let alone get a torch and a finger in there!!
I have a Jx and my gearbox took 3.5 litres (well that's how much I put in anyway)
I can just about get my hand in to undo it let alone get a torch and a finger in there!!
I have a Jx and my gearbox took 3.5 litres (well that's how much I put in anyway)
Westfalia pop-top 1990 1.6JX
- djswain1
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Re: Gearbox oil change
Not sure on the diameter of the threaded hole for the plug , but you could possibly make a little dipstick out a piece of stiff wire bent at a right angle.nobbyfox wrote:How on earth are you meant to check if it's 15mm below the filler hole?
I can just about get my hand in to undo it let alone get a torch and a finger in there!!
I have a Jx and my gearbox took 3.5 litres (well that's how much I put in anyway)
Sent from my SM-J510FN using Tapatalk
Bessie the bus- 1987 Holdswoth Vision 1.9DG auto with VW factory hitop
Re: Gearbox oil change
It was a revised capacity to reduce shifting effort,not a critical level, its easier just to pour in up to hole. Oil does seem to remain in gearbox after draining, a reconditioned gearbox takes more when first filled.
1992 red lle 2.2 subaru 1990 rhd caravelle 2.2 subaru 1986 california import vanagon
- shrig1969
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Re: Gearbox oil change
Thanks for the explanation
And all the other helpful pointers. Made it a very worthwhile job.

And all the other helpful pointers. Made it a very worthwhile job.
I am no mechanic, but I try......
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual
1987 1.9DG Hi top 4 speed manual