Gearbox oil filling

tuskar · 18 December 2014, 19:10

Why do you have to fill gearbox from bottom up ? and then need a special pump, why not from top oil hole ??

Thanks

RIB-Teccie · 18 December 2014, 19:13

You create an air lock if you fill from the top and you won't get enough oil in. You can get a bottle of oil with the fitting and pump fairly cheaply. Once you put in the top screw the oil will stay more or less by gravity.

Peter_C · 18 December 2014, 19:41

If it is something you do occasionally, you can just buy the fitting needed, and use a couple of squeeze tubes of gear oil. If changing oil often it is more cost effective to purchase oil in bulk and pump it in.

RIB-Teccie · 18 December 2014, 19:52

Another trick is if you use silicon sealant in tubes, clean out a couple of old tubes and load them with oil. Use a fresh nozzle cut to size and pump it in with the cartridge gun.

Hightower · 18 December 2014, 20:50

Do what I did. Cut an old lemonade bottle bottom off, attach a tube to the neck connecting that to the oil fill hole at the bottom of the gearbox. Attach the lemonade bottle to the leg using cable ties, make sure the fill level hole at the top of the gearbox is somewhere level with bottle and just pore the oil in till it comes out the hole. Plug back in top, tube out of bottom and plug in bottom, job done and not a pump in sight!

steco1958 · 18 December 2014, 20:54

[Q UOTE=Hightower;659910]Do what I did. Cut an old lemonade bottle bottom off, attach a tube to the neck connecting that to the oil fill hole at the bottom of the gearbox. Attach the lemonade bottle to the leg using cable ties, make sure the fill level hole at the top of the gearbox is somewhere level with bottle and just pore the oil in till it comes out the hole. Plug back in top, tube out of bottom and plug in bottom, job done and not a pump in sight![/QUOTE]

I like that idea, simple low tech, cost effective

tuskar · 18 December 2014, 21:07

Got it Thanks

willk · 18 December 2014, 21:25

Top Tip: Keep the oil someplace warm (hot press) for a few hours before you fill the gearbox - the oil is quite viscous when cold and thins as it warms.

apshutt · 18 December 2014, 21:28

Where can one buy these fillers/pump?

RIB-Teccie · 18 December 2014, 21:29

Some good ideas on here, if we keep going we could be the first to send men to the moon!! Not like that film set jobbie from 1969!!!

apshutt · 18 December 2014, 21:30

Found some on Fleabay.

paintman · 18 December 2014, 21:56

I just use a standard oil can & a small plug to block the filling hole when I need to refill the oil can.
This type: Oil Can 500cc

captnjack · 18 December 2014, 22:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by apshutt

Where can one buy these fillers/pump?

I got mine with the correctly threaded nipple fitting from a general marine store or perhaps the dealer(?). They are not expensive, perhaps $10-12 here. Its just a soap dispenser pump with a hose and nipple on the end.

Pumping in from the bottom allows the air to escape out the top. Then plug the top hole and the viscosity of the oil holds it up inside until you get the lower plug in place. I probably lose <10mL through drips during the whole process.

dave3235 · 18 December 2014, 23:52

Hi all

Try an old stile tomatoe sauce bottle squeeze type with pointy nozzle.

jeffstevens763@g · 19 December 2014, 07:28

i do mine when i change the water pump impeller on its side on the bench with a funnel.

dave3235 · 19 December 2014, 07:36

Hi all

If filling on it's side would you be over filling or do you allow the excess to drain away when upright.

jeffstevens763@g · 19 December 2014, 07:55

yes replace the bottom fill plug stand up and let it drain to correct level, you will have an idea of the quantity of oil when you drain the old off to avoid too much waste

HughN · 19 December 2014, 11:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

Do what I did. Cut an old lemonade bottle bottom off, attach a tube to the neck connecting that to the oil fill hole at the bottom of the gearbox. Attach the lemonade bottle to the leg using cable ties, make sure the fill level hole at the top of the gearbox is somewhere level with bottle and just pore the oil in till it comes out the hole. Plug back in top, tube out of bottom and plug in bottom, job done and not a pump in sight!

And not a piece of sticky-backed plastic in sight! Are you sure an old washing up liquid bottle couldn't have been used? You must have used something sharp to cut of the bottom of the lemonade bottle - I hope you put some Plasticine behind it.

(I'm just off to find some flameproof tinsel and four wire coat-hangers)