How many litre's in the gearbox?

[WelshFTO]

Just changed the filter and transmission fluid, im sure its the full 5litre

just want to make sure before i drive her

[Dragonheart]

Auto box takes 9.2 I think, not sure what manual takes.

[WelshFTO]

9.2 litres??? noooo surley not

[russdfc]

Typically change your gearbox oil as often as you want... but at least every 18,000 miles. Use a good quality Dextron 3 rated oil... Diaqueen is what most people use. You'll need about 5.5 litres to do a change... but it depends how much comes out of your box when you drain it (it holds about 8+ but will only release around 5)

[CJ]

9.2 litres??? noooo surley not

Correct (assuming a full ATF flush). If you do not flush out the system then expect to get 5L out of the sump. I would suggest flushing the system where possible (replacing half the oil is better than nothing but not ideal).

CJ

[russdfc]

cj what would you use to flush the system (a lot of oil?) ive always just nipped into kwik-fit/national tyres to replace the oil & filter so now you mention flushing the system i wonder if they flush it or just drain it then top it up

[CJ]

cj what would you use to flush the system (a lot of oil?)

Theres 2 options:

Use compressed air on one side of the cooler line (beside radiator), connect a hose to the other and blow out the remaining ATF (assumes ATF removed from sump).

Disconnect the cooler line, stick a hose onto each side.
Put one side of the hose into a container of fresh ATF and the other side into an empty bucket.
Start the engine, new ATF will be pulled in, old ATF will be pumped out.
Used ATF is muddy brown, it should start to change colour (i.e. red) after a while at which point the engine should be turned off.

I've used option 2, you'll need up to 15L of ATF to cover yourself. It can be a messy job and its useful to have another person to start the engine and turn off. Very important: do not let the gearbox run dry, follow at your own risk etc.

CJ

[russdfc]

cheers cj handy tip

[WelshFTO]

never knew that, thanks, ive had a few FTO's and always just removed the sump nut, drained the fluid, replaced the filter and 5litre's straight in, intresting to know

[Dragonheart]

Just checked my gearbox oil, its still red, but I'm going to change it anyway as its been a while, just wondering is there any reason that it wouldnt be brown and not red?? I would have assumed it would have turned some sort of colour by now but its still pretty vibrant from the looks of it.

[CJ]

Just checked my gearbox oil, its still red, but I'm going to change it anyway as its been a while, just wondering is there any reason that it wouldnt be brown and not red?? I would have assumed it would have turned some sort of colour by now but its still pretty vibrant from the looks of it.

Its obviously in good condition so. How many kms since the last change?

CJ

[Dragonheart]

See thats the thing that puzzles me, its been about 40K!! Meant to do it a lot sooner but never got around to it. I think to be safe and for ease of mind I'm going to replace it anyway, just dont feel right having it in there that long.

[CJ]

See thats the thing that puzzles me, its been about 40K!!

Thats a pretty long change interval! Just because its not discoloured doesn't mean it hasn't lost its ability to fully lubricate and protect the 'box internals.

CJ

[Dragonheart]

Well looks like my eyesight was messing around with me, it looked red but when it all landed in the bucket, (or all over the garage floor as it nearly did) then it was more of a dull brown instead of a red.
Also did up a walkthrough with pics to put up later for anyone who wants to do one for the first time, even though I know nearly everyone here knows how to do it but for someone doing it for the first time it might help to know where the plugs are for releasing the oil are.

[CJ]

Good stuff. Are you undertaking a full drain and flush to the 9L out or just dropping the 5L of ATF in the sump?

CJ

[Dragonheart]

Just changed it, took about 5.5L, will flush the next time, just wanted to get the old stuff out at the moment and when I have more time the next time I'll do a flush.