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SP Gearbox/Overdrive oil

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wejxf03
Posts: 50
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2016 7:36 pm
Location: Kent UK

SP Gearbox/Overdrive oil

Post by wejxf03 »

Gentlemen

Can I check what oil you are using in an SP with overdrive.

In my manual I have written in pencil SAE30 (Castrol classic XL30)
This is crossed out and 20/50 Morris oils and along side it 1/2" higher than mark. This is for the overdrive if I remember rightly as advised by Robert Grinter.

Thanks
John
John Foskett
Kent UK
SP250 B spec.

Vortex O'Plinth
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Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2016 8:15 pm
Location: Gloucestershire

Re: SP Gearbox/Overdrive oil

Post by Vortex O'Plinth »

My gearbox/overdrive is filled with Castrol XL30 (a straight SAE30 oil). The gearbox is filled to 1/2" above the original dipstick line to ensure filling of the overdrive. If the level is too low the overdrive will be slow or unable to engage.

I use Castrol Classic XL 20W-50 in the engine.
Nick

"Don't bother with the Air & Space Museum - there's nothing to see.......".

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Jez
Posts: 89
Joined: Mon Feb 15, 2016 8:00 am

Re: SP Gearbox/Overdrive oil

Post by Jez »

Overdrive Repair Services, where I sourced my overdrive, recommended a straight SAE30 oil but said that regular 20/50 would also be fine. As pointed out, overfilling by 1/2" ensures the overdrive has an adequate supply of oil as flow from the gearbox to the overdrive only happens at a raised level.

Cheers - Jez
Jez Stow
1960 Daimler Dart
and a few other toys

wejxf03
Posts: 50
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2016 7:36 pm
Location: Kent UK

Re: SP Gearbox/Overdrive oil

Post by wejxf03 »

Thanks for the advice Nick and Jez.
SAE30 it is then.
Think I'll have to get a flexible funnel to get it in the dipstick hole.
John Foskett
Kent UK
SP250 B spec.

Vortex O'Plinth
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Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2016 8:15 pm
Location: Gloucestershire

Re: SP Gearbox/Overdrive oil

Post by Vortex O'Plinth »

wejxf03 wrote: Wed Jul 18, 2018 7:03 pm ....Think I'll have to get a flexible funnel to get it in the dipstick hole.
A suction gun - something like this for example, is useful
Nick

"Don't bother with the Air & Space Museum - there's nothing to see.......".

wejxf03
Posts: 50
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2016 7:36 pm
Location: Kent UK

Re: SP Gearbox/Overdrive oil

Post by wejxf03 »

Good idea Nick. Thanks.
Have to get one of those.
John Foskett
Kent UK
SP250 B spec.

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Jez
Posts: 89
Joined: Mon Feb 15, 2016 8:00 am

Re: SP Gearbox/Overdrive oil

Post by Jez »

I use a length of tube to go into the gearbox filler, with a plastic funnel firmly fixed in the top end to pour the oil into. With roof off I can hold the funnel ahead of the windscreen in case of spills etc. Not the quickest but I had the bits kicking around.

Cheers - Jez
Jez Stow
1960 Daimler Dart
and a few other toys

wejxf03
Posts: 50
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2016 7:36 pm
Location: Kent UK

Re: SP Gearbox/Overdrive oil

Post by wejxf03 »

Have ordered one of these to give a try. £6 delivered on Ebay. Will give it a go.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Silverline-3 ... Sw2gxYpwHP

Cheers
John
John Foskett
Kent UK
SP250 B spec.

simonp
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Joined: Mon Mar 07, 2016 9:59 am
Location: Birmingham

Re: SP Gearbox/Overdrive oil

Post by simonp »

I have found a small funnel works fine. Have tried both SAE 30 and 40 but recently the overdrive stopped working in Holland which I think is probably a problem with the solenoid.

SimonP
Daimler SP 250 - "To feel its eager response as you open up is to know a new motoring adventure"(Sales brochure) The adventure continues!

User avatar
Jez
Posts: 89
Joined: Mon Feb 15, 2016 8:00 am

Re: SP Gearbox/Overdrive oil

Post by Jez »

With ignition on and engine not running, put the car in 3rd or 4th and listen for a click from the solenoid as you switch on the overdrive. If no click, then check fuses and the circuit running via the switch, 3rd/4th gear interlock switch and solenoid. I had a failed switch in my MG at Le Mans (temporarily replaced by the heater fan switch as overdrive was deemed more useful!) and on the Dart the 3rd/4th switch just occasionally needs the gear lever to be nudged a bit to kick in (another job to get around to!).

Cheers - Jez
Jez Stow
1960 Daimler Dart
and a few other toys

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