Gearbox fluid

[irish]

Can't seem to find anything specific in my manuals on what kind of gearbox (transmission) fluid is recommended for my 1961 Sprite. And, how do you check the gearbox fluid level; haven't found a stick? The fluid must, I'm thinking logically here, be poured into the filler plug which is where?? mmm...Stan from Montara

 

[Glen_B]

Hi Stan,

The filler plug is on the left side of the trans and is accessed by the rubber plug high on the side of tunnel. The fill plug is difficult to remove and very easy to drop about 20 times as you try to refit it.
Use a non-detergent 30wt motor oil just as is called for in the manual and the engine for that matter. Non-detergent is pretty hard if not impossible to find these days and I run Castrol Heavy duty 30wt in the one LBC that doesn't have a Datsun box.
Others will have other recommendations, or may even have a source of non-detergent 30wt. Fine and dandy, but DO NOT use the usual 90wt Hypoid oil in a Spridget box. Bad for the synchros I hear.

Glen Byrns

 

[JerryB]

Motor oil. 40w will be fine. I would suggest Redline synthetic 40W BLUE LABEL or any good conventional single weight motor oil.

There is a checking/fill plug but its a movie to get to...it's just above and forward of the speedo cable entry in the tailshaft housing.

Drain the trans and refill with 1 1/3 quart.

 

[irish]

Alright, good info, thanks Glen...irish ps can't make out what your photo is (engine?); looks interesting

 

[ChrisS]

Others are correct with the location. See pages 12 (14 at bottom of page) and 15 (17 on bottom of page, item 8 is the tranny fill plug) here. I use 20w-50 engine oil. When you the fill plug out equally file down the hex so that it will fit a 6 point socket. I can’t remember the size off hand but it only takes a little to fit. Make it fit, but snug. Then get a 3/8” drive 6” wobble extension and you will be able to get the fill plug in and out with much less trouble.

 

[bugimike]

I use a 6" extension with a universal on it and a magnetized socket. Makes the job a breeze!!