Gearbox Oil Fill how to - MG-Rover.org Forums

CJJ · 23-05-2009, 22:41

The gearbox oil should be checked for level occasionally, especially if you have a leak. Otherwise it should be changed evey 105,000 miles or 7 years.

I have just filled mine up as I have just fitted a new gearbox and drained it to fit a magnetic drain plug.

The oil I used was Castrol SMX-S.

Filling from empty takes around the 2.4 litre mark, so you will need 3 x 1 litre bottles.

The bottles usually have a filler tube built in. In this case you simply break the seal and pull the centre cap outwards.

The filler hole is also where you check for the level. It is above the drain plug and to the right, looking from the nearside.

You can see them on this pic of my old gearbox with the driveshaft removed.

If you are checking the level, then it should be just below the threaded hole with the filler plug removed.

Unfortunately, in real life, the filler is a pain in the but to get to.

Remove the filler plug from underneath the engine bay (17mm socket). You will need the car up on axle stands or ramps to do this, but the car must be level when checking or filling the oil. If any oil comes out then the level is OK (should only be a slight weep).

I found the easiest way to fill the gearbox was to remove the engine inspection cover and the airbox. I also used a length of tube, one end pushed into the filler

You can also see the drain plug on the above photo, it is the shiny one as it is an aftermarket magnetic plug fitted on mine. If you are changing the oil then you will need to remove this and drain the oil into a suitable container, refitting the plug afterwards.

The other end of the tube is accessable through the top of the engine bay. Simply fill the geabox from here.

Now, just keep filling the gearbox until the oil starts flowing out of the filler hole.

Once the oil has stopped dribbling out, refit the filler plug and the gearbox is done.

Now refit the airbox and engine cover.

Iain160Trophy · 23-05-2009, 22:47

Cheers, another great guide!

Looks like your almost up and running?!

CJJ · 23-05-2009, 22:48

All fluids are present and correct, and holding level, which is always good.

Iain160Trophy · 23-05-2009, 22:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJJ

All fluids are present and correct, and holding level, which is always good.

you started it yet?

CJJ · 23-05-2009, 22:54

Clutch problems at the minute as I cannot get any pressure. Need to pressure bleed it tomorrow. I don't want to start it without a clutch as it may be in gear and it is up on ramps. Could get messy.

Iain160Trophy · 23-05-2009, 23:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJJ

Clutch problems at the minute as I cannot get any pressure. Need to pressure bleed it tomorrow. I don't want to start it without a clutch as it may be in gear and it is up on ramps. Could get messy.

hope it goes well for you! your car will be top notch when you finish

although shares in hammerite might drop

CJJ · 24-05-2009, 08:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iain160Trophy

hope it goes well for you! your car will be top notch when you finish

although shares in hammerite might drop

Don't know about top notch, but working would be nice.

The great god of Hammerite will always be there for us

Dr Dave · 24-05-2009, 08:44

Talking of hammerite, I have a project later on today!

CJJ · 24-05-2009, 09:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Dave

Talking of hammerite, I have a project later on today!

Are you going to hand paint the BMW?

Fast Jan · 24-05-2009, 12:28

An alternative method of filling without having to go through the inspection hatch is to use a large hypodermic like this one -

with a tube attached - the gearbox can then be filled from below using the filler plug hole.

Mine was checked and topped up yesterday (thanks Jerry

) - it took an astonishing 450ml to fill

DAVIDT6DCM · 24-05-2009, 12:31

Very good how to CJJ
&
Great idea as well Jan, going to get me one of those from work this afternoon

Fast Jan · 24-05-2009, 12:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAVIDT6DCM

Great idea as well Jan, going to get me one of those from work this afternoon

I'd like to take the credit for the idea, but it's far to sensible to be one of mine

Another perk of the job eh Dave?!

CJJ · 24-05-2009, 18:59

Good call with the syringe Jan, but I had the cover off and had to put nearly 2.5L of the stuff in. Anyway, I ain't got any epideemic nerdles.

Petevick · 24-05-2009, 19:19

http://www.mgf-tf-central.co.uk/ht-r....shtml#gearbox

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fast Jan

An alternative method of filling without having to go through the inspection hatch is to use a large hypodermic like this one.....

and where might one purchase such a large item from ???

Fast Jan · 25-05-2009, 10:57

Ebay of course

Ebay link (searched for 50ml syringe

)

Petevick · 25-05-2009, 11:17

thanks Jan

Fast Jan · 25-05-2009, 11:29

They can also be bought from farms as this is where Jerry got his - they can be used for.... actually I don't think I wanna say what they can be used for on cows, just make sure you buy a new sealed one

ourmark · 02-06-2009, 12:54

Thanks for these photos. Very useful.

I changed my gearbox oil today. I bought 1m of tubing from B&Q and dropped it down from the gap in the boot. Another way to do this without removing the engine cover!

PaulMGTF160 · 02-06-2009, 12:59

So how often doe the gear bow oil need changing?

WindDrifter · 02-06-2009, 13:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fast Jan

An alternative method of filling without having to go through the inspection hatch is to use a large hypodermic like this one -

with a tube attached - the gearbox can then be filled from below using the filler plug hole.

Mine was checked and topped up yesterday (thanks Jerry

) - it took an astonishing 450ml to fill

is it only me?

I can imagine a lot of alternative substances to have in that

23-05-2009, 22:41	#1
CJJ Mudslinger extraordinaire Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ashington, Northumberland Car: MGTF 160, Focus ST2, KTM 640, Kangoo Van Posts: 16,899	Gearbox Oil Fill how to The gearbox oil should be checked for level occasionally, especially if you have a leak. Otherwise it should be changed evey 105,000 miles or 7 years. I have just filled mine up as I have just fitted a new gearbox and drained it to fit a magnetic drain plug. The oil I used was Castrol SMX-S. Filling from empty takes around the 2.4 litre mark, so you will need 3 x 1 litre bottles. The bottles usually have a filler tube built in. In this case you simply break the seal and pull the centre cap outwards. The filler hole is also where you check for the level. It is above the drain plug and to the right, looking from the nearside. You can see them on this pic of my old gearbox with the driveshaft removed. If you are checking the level, then it should be just below the threaded hole with the filler plug removed. Unfortunately, in real life, the filler is a pain in the but to get to. Remove the filler plug from underneath the engine bay (17mm socket). You will need the car up on axle stands or ramps to do this, but the car must be level when checking or filling the oil. If any oil comes out then the level is OK (should only be a slight weep). I found the easiest way to fill the gearbox was to remove the engine inspection cover and the airbox. I also used a length of tube, one end pushed into the filler You can also see the drain plug on the above photo, it is the shiny one as it is an aftermarket magnetic plug fitted on mine. If you are changing the oil then you will need to remove this and drain the oil into a suitable container, refitting the plug afterwards. The other end of the tube is accessable through the top of the engine bay. Simply fill the geabox from here. Now, just keep filling the gearbox until the oil starts flowing out of the filler hole. Once the oil has stopped dribbling out, refit the filler plug and the gearbox is done. Now refit the airbox and engine cover. __________________ *I like reality, I've been there a few times, but I wouldn't want to live there.*

23-05-2009, 22:48	#3
CJJ Mudslinger extraordinaire Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ashington, Northumberland Car: MGTF 160, Focus ST2, KTM 640, Kangoo Van Posts: 16,899	All fluids are present and correct, and holding level, which is always good. __________________ *I like reality, I've been there a few times, but I wouldn't want to live there.*

23-05-2009, 22:54	#5
CJJ Mudslinger extraordinaire Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ashington, Northumberland Car: MGTF 160, Focus ST2, KTM 640, Kangoo Van Posts: 16,899	Clutch problems at the minute as I cannot get any pressure. Need to pressure bleed it tomorrow. I don't want to start it without a clutch as it may be in gear and it is up on ramps. Could get messy. __________________ *I like reality, I've been there a few times, but I wouldn't want to live there.*

24-05-2009, 12:28	#10
Fast Jan is trying... Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Pontypool, South Wales Car: TF 160 Posts: 5,644	An alternative method of filling without having to go through the inspection hatch is to use a large hypodermic like this one - with a tube attached - the gearbox can then be filled from below using the filler plug hole. Mine was checked and topped up yesterday (thanks Jerry ) - it took an astonishing 450ml to fill __________________ --- Experience is a journey, not a destination For Sale: 17" wheels & Toyo tyres

24-05-2009, 18:59	#13
CJJ Mudslinger extraordinaire Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ashington, Northumberland Car: MGTF 160, Focus ST2, KTM 640, Kangoo Van Posts: 16,899	Good call with the syringe Jan, but I had the cover off and had to put nearly 2.5L of the stuff in. Anyway, I ain't got any epideemic nerdles. __________________ *I like reality, I've been there a few times, but I wouldn't want to live there.*

23-05-2009, 22:47	#2
Iain160Trophy my cabbages appreciate me Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: No Place - Beamish co durham. Car: MGF Trophy 160 - Miss lemons Posts: 2,323 Blog Entries: 2	Cheers, another great guide! Looks like your almost up and running?!

24-05-2009, 12:31	#11
DAVIDT6DCM Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: South Wales Car: MGTF160 Posts: 2,385	Very good how to CJJ & Great idea as well Jan, going to get me one of those from work this afternoon

25-05-2009, 10:57	#15
Fast Jan is trying... Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Pontypool, South Wales Car: TF 160 Posts: 5,644	Ebay of course Ebay link (searched for 50ml syringe ) __________________ --- Experience is a journey, not a destination For Sale: 17" wheels & Toyo tyres

25-05-2009, 11:17	#16
Petevick regained interest Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Leicestershire Car: MG TF 160 in Trophy Yellow Posts: 39,683	thanks Jan __________________ Pete Vickerstaff - Proud to drive an MG TF 160 in Trophy Yellow MG F/TF Central - your one stop shop for MGF/TF tips, tricks, faq's, how to's and links Soft Resin Badges for sale

25-05-2009, 11:29	#17
Fast Jan is trying... Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Pontypool, South Wales Car: TF 160 Posts: 5,644	They can also be bought from farms as this is where Jerry got his - they can be used for.... actually I don't think I wanna say what they can be used for on cows, just make sure you buy a new sealed one __________________ --- Experience is a journey, not a destination For Sale: 17" wheels & Toyo tyres

02-06-2009, 12:54	#18
ourmark Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Harrogate Car: MG ZS Posts: 875	Thanks for these photos. Very useful. I changed my gearbox oil today. I bought 1m of tubing from B&Q and dropped it down from the gap in the boot. Another way to do this without removing the engine cover!

02-06-2009, 12:59	#19
PaulMGTF160 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Oxford Car: Other Manufacturer Posts: 2,954	So how often doe the gear bow oil need changing?

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