Club 80-90 Forums

Having read the wiki:
https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Ge ... drain_plug" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
and looked in the manual then it was time to renew the gbox oil. Mainly as I have never looked at it in 5 years (my time with the van).

Using the m10 and 2 bolt method (and some heat) I finally cracked off the filler and then the sump drain.
Out came not a lot of thick black (and hot - after a run) oil. Some metal on the sump magnet.

The wiki says 4.5L the haynes manual says 3.5L .. .. ?? What the blithering heck .. let's go with 3.5L
After leaving it to drain for a while. I refilled with GL4 using the wiki method of hosepipe and funnel.
I got to just over 3L and it's coming out the filler.... hmm .. must not have got it all out or it needs to settle or the amount is wrong and it''s less .........

Book also says the 5 speed box should be 15mm lower than the filler - that will be difficult to check ...
Having a vast experience of old gearboxes on old motorcycles, I am well aware that too much oil will mean it coming out of breathers (if it the VW box has one) or seals.

Do I need to open the sump and drain off a few hundred ml or should I not worry... ?

madoc wrote:The wiki says 4.5L the haynes manual says 3.5L .. .. ?? What the blithering heck .. let's go with 3.5L
After leaving it to drain for a while. I refilled with GL4 using the wiki method of hosepipe and funnel.
I got to just over 3L and it's coming out the filler.... hmm .. must not have got it all out or it needs to settle or the amount is wrong and it''s less ...

Was the van level at the time?

I wouldn't worry too much - just treat it as a level plug.

Hi Madoc
I did this recently with a rebuilt gearbox and they definitely take 4.5l when empty (4 speed). I think that unless you remove the gearbox you can't empty all of the oil from the drain plug in situ which is why yours wouldn't take the full amount. I think I also read here that there is a one way valve in the box, and that you have to fill with the vehicle level. I'll try and find the post,

this is the thread with th comment from Aidan Talbot about 1 way valve

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... l#p7714405

Zeb

the van was pretty level front to back.
I had it jacked up a little on the side to crawl under but dropped it down to see whether the filler stopped leaking.

I'll leave it.
I'm away for a week (with the van - but not going far) and I'll come back and recheck it.

Seems a bit of confusion over the capacity of gearbox:

http://www.vanagonguy.com/blog/vanagon-specs/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Fluid Capacities

Engine Oil: Water Cooled from 1987 – 4.3L (4.8 qt.) w/ filter.
Manual Transmission: Water Cooled 4 sp. – 2.5L (2.8 qt.) [less 15mm below fill hole.]
Automatic Differential: All – 2.1L (1.3 qt.)
Cooling System: 16.7 L (18.6 qt.)
Power Steering: All – 1.2L (1.3 qt.)
Brake Fluid: 1qt DOT 5 (Silicone based.)
Windshield Washer Bottle: Front – 3.9 L (4.3 qt.) Rear – 1.0L (1.1 qt.)

I'd rather trust you lot however.

If it helps, Bentley states 3.0 litres (refill capacity only - 1.5 litres can't be drained) for a four speed and 4.0 litres for a 5 speed
Zeb

tee3peeo wrote:Bentley states 3.0 litres (refill capacity only - 1.5 litres can't be drained)

Sounds like a damn good reason to change the gearbox oil frequently, then - dilute what's left, and hopefully try to keep it reasonably cleanish. ESPECIALLY if it's already got to the "small blob of tar" stage...