Spitfire Differential gear lube level 78 Spitfire

[Joe_Pinehill]

Does anyone have any tricks to checking the gear lube level on the differential?

I dont have a lift, and I jack the rear end up, so the fluid is less than level.

 

[Andrew Mace]

I'm not sure the slight difference in front/rear height will make a significant difference, but I suppose you could put the front on jack stands and then raise the rear.

 

[guzzul]

I would try to keep the car level when checking/filling the diff. As Andy suggests, get both ends on axle stands.

To check the current level you can stick your pinky finger in the fill hole and see if you are touching gear lube. (If your finger is too big, maybe your wife will get under the car and do this for you....ha ha ha.....)

Alternately, pump lube in through the fill hole until it starts to run out, and its 'full'.

Check the little pressure relief valve on top of the diff at the back RH side to make sure its clean and the little cotter pin in it isn't stuck. If you overfill a bit, it will tend to blow out this hole.

 

[billspit]

I can actually check mine still on the ground. Not real easy, but doable. I use a small oil can to add more until it oozes out the fill.

 

[myspitfire]

Its a good idea to drill a drain hole at the bottom of the diff,where theirs a flat boss area.,I did & it makes diff maint an eaay job.The early Spitfires came from the factory with a removable drain plug on/at this same flat area,they stopped probably because of a cost thing maybe.

 

[LarryK]

Drive it straddle to a ditch or gutter, easy to reach!