Manual Gearbox / Overdrive Oil

[NickBristol]

Morning all.

On my recent drive the overdrive stopped engaging. I’m 99% sure it’s electrical and there’s loads of threads on this forum (thanks) that I’ll follow to chase the issue. I’m slowly learning how to check the easy stuff first and then look for something more sinister…

The one thing I’m struggling to find in past conversations is an idiot’s guide to checking and topping up the transmission oil. What I’m not clear about is exactly what I’m looking for if/when I need to jack the car up and check the level. It’s a manual J type if that makes a difference.

Would anyone be able to post a pic or diagram of the reservoir/plug that I might need to be playing with, and where to look.

There’s loads of past threads on what to do once I find it, so although advice is always warmly received please don’t feel the need to repeat past info!

Ta
Nick

[NickBristol]

Or if anyone can tell me what the vessel the oil sits in is called so I can Google it and give myself a clue as to what it looks like…?

[mike@thenook]

There’s a plug on the left side of the gearbox casing which you top-up the gearbox and overdrive through.
You can’t do it unless you have the car on a ramp or ramps and the car needs to be level.
Undo the plug with a suitable open ended spanner (it’s the same size as the sump plug) and use EP80/90 gear oil and no additives and I found the easiest way is to attach a long length of 1/2” clear plastic tube to a funnel which I balance in the corner of the engine bay by the wiper motor and very slowly pour oil into the box until it over flows from the plug hole.
Make sure you have something under the box to catch the overflow oil.

Cheers

Mike

[DJT]

From the Repair Operations Manual:

C46B3761-62B9-408B-BC17-654801A1B2D8.png

[sujitroy]

I use one of these: https://www.harborfreight.com/multi-...ump-63144.html

[mike@thenook]

I use one of these: https://www.harborfreight.com/multi-...ump-63144.html

That’s neat - bit less Heath-Robinson than my idea LOL!

[Jeff]

https://www.socforum.com/forum/forum/stag-owners-club/soc-forum/21869-a-little-panel-that-could-be-a-big-help-sometimes

[NickBristol]

Many thanks all. I should be able to find that and have ordered the eBay version of the pump. Out of interest, my search of past posts revealed the following option for those without access to a ramp: jack the car up with the filler cap high. Fill to the cap. Slowly lower the car with an oil catcher under the tank. Jack back up. Refit cap.
Bit wasteful on oil and potentially messy, but easier than lifting a car level and probably safer since I’ll be working on my own. I know it’s not the ideal way, but I’d be grateful if anyone can tell me if it’s ‘wrong’, as that was my plan.

[NickA]

<snip> I know its not the ideal way, but Id be grateful if anyone can tell me if its wrong, as that was my plan.

This is exaculty what I do jack up the passenger side add a bit of oil, lower car and see what runs out. Repeat as necessary