FAQ: How do I change the lubricant in my Rover's Gearbox

[MGJohn]

Mods please remove if a more suitable location is required.

A very frequent question on car sites. Having just filled the PG1 box with MTF 94 on my latest project 620ti, I took a few pictures which explains the method I use for this not difficult, but, tricky job owing the very restricted access.







The pipe I use is a length of ordinary garden hose. I wedge this in the funnel - maybe necessary to trim some of the funnel's tube to alow a perfect fit with the hose.. Always works a treat and with a drip tray under the filler hole, as soon as lubricant appears around the pipe there you know it's filled correctly.

The pictures are I believe fairly self-explanatary.

One final comment. Why oh why is every 17mm PG1 oil filler plug so bluddy tight? Absolutely no need to be that tight. On some I've had to remove the road wheel, fit my best quality 17mm hex-socket and with wobble extension bars reaching into the wheel arch. Then deploy my 3/4" Bergen breaker bar to undo the thing. It pays to take your time on this as the last thing you want is to round off those filler plug flats. Someone may already have done that for you - hope not!

[cjmillsnun]

Nice guide. Very similar method to mine. And you're right, the filler plug is always too bloody tight

[MGJohn]

Although I bought my V-Reg 620ti back in April, only recently have I got around to checking the contents of it's PG1 TorSen Differential gearbox. I suspected it would be fine but always best to check. First thing I did was drain it. The oil which appeared was fairly clear and the full compliment was drained. I was pleased to observe this as it means no oil had been lost. Loss of lubricant being number one killer of gearboxes from my experience.:



Compare the contents drained from this V-Reg gearbox compared to the one I removed from the one recently obtained with a problem gearbox when I drained that!



This V-reg being one of the last to leave the production line is slightly 'different' in as much as it appears to have an additional and identical 3/8 female drain plug located at the front on the casing as well as the usual one located beneath the nearside driveshaft. As can be seen in this picture.



Prior to draining and filling operations on this gearbox, I could not see any sign whatsoever of lubricant losses via seals or what have you. Not even the barest suggestion of a weep or smear. That's the way ALL gearboxes should be.



Using MTF 94, this final picture shows the lubricant starting to emerge from around the filler plug indicating the level is up to the required mark.
.

[ampthetex]

I dont mean to sound dumb, but has anyone tried using an engine flush when doing a gearbox oil change, or is it just a bad idea ?, just a thought thats all.Which is the best gearbox oil original rover MTF 94 or AMSOIL ?

[Tad]

is that the same gearbox as in a 416 si?

[chrisbaldry]

I think it's basically the same but It has a TORSEN differential inside it. Same as the vitesse and tomcat turbo.

[Stu]

Originally Posted by Tad

is that the same gearbox as in a 416 si?

416 if K series will be an R65 box, not PG1 IIRC.

[Tad]

thanks stu, that saved me the trouble of trying this method and opening the wrong bolts.

[stevexyg]

doesn't engine flush chemically strip out solid carbon buildup? no such occurance in gearbox i'd think so u just need to simply drain to remove contact contaminents (result of abrasion) which are in suspension in oil?

fantastic pics - was looking for some cheap hose now realise i got some already for the job in the shed!

[mooey65]

Am going to give this ago as it hard for me to get into gear when iv been driving for a long time or if i boot it for a few mins.

Is this the same box as a 420gsdi?

[mooey65]

Any one????

[matt1295]

are the rover 200 t plater gearbox the same for topping up the gearbox

[620 Turbo Oli]

my apologies for maybe sounding dumb, but i have been told to use BV 75/80W oil for the pg1 gearbox, is this the same as the MTF 94???? upon not knowing any better i was told by 3 people (not from here) to put in the 10/40 engine oil. This info was read from a book i believe

[teddybear]

At low revs my Rover 75 automatic (petrol engine) make a disturbing noise when changing down. Do not think this is a lubrication problem, but any ideas?

[Hootinhaggis]

My 600 D has 85k on it. Is it about due a gearbox oil change being that it's 11 years old?

I've tracked the 'illusive' MTF94 down to here at £8 a litre:

http://www.sardracing.co.uk/mtf94-1-...-etc-553-p.asp

Is that a fair price - was more on FleaBay.
Thanks.

[rover_all_over]

Originally Posted by Stu

416 if K series will be an R65 box, not PG1 IIRC.

stu how did you do it and its the nut the same? round with a square in the middle??

[Rik420SDi]

Good writeup fella

Originally Posted by MGJohn

One final comment. Why oh why is every 17mm PG1 oil filler plug so bluddy tight...pays to take your time on this as the last thing you want is to round off those filler plug flats. Someone may already have done that for you - hope not!

Well, they had...

As a work-around, I noticed that the reverse light switch is just around the same level as the filler bung. One 18mm spanner deployed (under hand pressure, no undue force required) and presto, new filling hole.

Seems to work ok, filled it until it drained out. Left it to settle and then sucked about 100ml out with a syringe and short hose, to compensate for the slightly higher position.

Just gotta wait and see if it blows a seal now...

[Slacko]

what about a Rover 45 2ltr V6? is it the same procedure, and how can you drain the whole oil out?

[Ray_S]

Originally Posted by Slacko

what about a Rover 45 2ltr V6? is it the same procedure, and how can you drain the whole oil out?

No its not and don't attempt it on the JATCO box in the V6 unless you know what you are doing and have the right tools and fluids.

See: http://www.mg-rover.org/showthread.php?p=4685506

[OffrulleR]

Maybe someone could make faq with photos how to change oil in rover 25 gearbox (R65)?