RAC68
Darth Vader
Offline
Hi All,
As a proponent in the use of Synthetics within a number of Healey major components (ie. Mobil 1 15W50 engine oil, etc.), I must rescind my support for Red Line MTL/90 within the OD/Transmission. For the last 4 or 5 years, I have used Red Line synthetic MTL and have found it providing smoother shifts and resonsive OD activation, however, its tendensy to find an escape path from the transmission has proven a far too risky issue having consequential damage potential.
I am not talking drips on the garage floor but major problems that have caused more then just concern. Not long after switching from 30W-non detergent motor oil (used since new with no problems) to Red Line, I found my OD stopped operating. After initially checking, I found the level of fluid had dropped by 1/2 on the dip stick.
So, since there was no major puddle of MTL on the floor under the car, where did it go? Investigation showed that the fluid had escaped past the "O" ring used to seal the cross-OD actuation rod and filled the solenoid mounting enclosure causing the solenoid piston to hydraulically lock (BJ8s have a cover enclosing the solenoid mount).
Removing the fluid from the enclosure, cleaning the solenoid and piston, and maintaining the Red Line MTL to a level just below the shaft, the original solenoid again performed perfectly and all was well for the next 2 or 3 years of use.
Being confident with no leakage or issues for a significant (my perception) period, earlier this year I decided to fill the OD/Transmission to the FULL mark. Big mistake. Yesterday, taking the car for a short drive after an extended period of inactivity (Weather permitting, I try to drive my Healey at least once/month), all seemed well. At the STOP sign at the end of the road however, I noticed the clutch slipping but continued for a few miles more. When finally arriving back at my home, the clutch slip had grown quite concerning and I found the level of Red Line MTL at 1/2 full.
The actuation of the clutch remained quite good and, although the clutch/pressure-plate/throw-out bearing were renewed quite a while ago, there was no previous indication of ware or issues. At present, based upon the fluid loss, I expect to find that the Red Line has escaped through the front bearing seal and may have collected on the bottom of the bell housing and may have saturated a portion of the clutch. During the drive, this clutch saturated fluid may have been distributed over the pressure plate and resulted in further extending clutch slippage.
Although I am hopping the fluid will burn off, the possibility of not needing to pull the transmission and replace the clutch is, as I see it, 50/50. However, one thing is certain, I will be replacing the Red Line MTL and going back to 30W NON-Detergent motor oil.
Any Thoughts or Suggestions?
Ray(64BJ8P1)
As a proponent in the use of Synthetics within a number of Healey major components (ie. Mobil 1 15W50 engine oil, etc.), I must rescind my support for Red Line MTL/90 within the OD/Transmission. For the last 4 or 5 years, I have used Red Line synthetic MTL and have found it providing smoother shifts and resonsive OD activation, however, its tendensy to find an escape path from the transmission has proven a far too risky issue having consequential damage potential.
I am not talking drips on the garage floor but major problems that have caused more then just concern. Not long after switching from 30W-non detergent motor oil (used since new with no problems) to Red Line, I found my OD stopped operating. After initially checking, I found the level of fluid had dropped by 1/2 on the dip stick.
So, since there was no major puddle of MTL on the floor under the car, where did it go? Investigation showed that the fluid had escaped past the "O" ring used to seal the cross-OD actuation rod and filled the solenoid mounting enclosure causing the solenoid piston to hydraulically lock (BJ8s have a cover enclosing the solenoid mount).
Removing the fluid from the enclosure, cleaning the solenoid and piston, and maintaining the Red Line MTL to a level just below the shaft, the original solenoid again performed perfectly and all was well for the next 2 or 3 years of use.
Being confident with no leakage or issues for a significant (my perception) period, earlier this year I decided to fill the OD/Transmission to the FULL mark. Big mistake. Yesterday, taking the car for a short drive after an extended period of inactivity (Weather permitting, I try to drive my Healey at least once/month), all seemed well. At the STOP sign at the end of the road however, I noticed the clutch slipping but continued for a few miles more. When finally arriving back at my home, the clutch slip had grown quite concerning and I found the level of Red Line MTL at 1/2 full.
The actuation of the clutch remained quite good and, although the clutch/pressure-plate/throw-out bearing were renewed quite a while ago, there was no previous indication of ware or issues. At present, based upon the fluid loss, I expect to find that the Red Line has escaped through the front bearing seal and may have collected on the bottom of the bell housing and may have saturated a portion of the clutch. During the drive, this clutch saturated fluid may have been distributed over the pressure plate and resulted in further extending clutch slippage.
Although I am hopping the fluid will burn off, the possibility of not needing to pull the transmission and replace the clutch is, as I see it, 50/50. However, one thing is certain, I will be replacing the Red Line MTL and going back to 30W NON-Detergent motor oil.
Any Thoughts or Suggestions?
Ray(64BJ8P1)
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