Hi Guys,

Do you know, or know of any kind soul that could weld or braze me a pair of drain plugs with a short pipe stub inserted in them so that I can connect the two and balance the gearbox oil levels automatically.

I am sick of topping up my transfer box after a run.

Any info would be appreciated and virtually every club member should buy the set.

Many regards

Si.

I've already done this previously, on a customers vehicle. I'll try to find the photo's I took of the mod. I sourced all the parts from Pirtek, at about £30 cost.

_________________
Steve
1st civi owner of 63 FL 40 .ONV 371P RHD GS- circa 1994-95
72 GJ 16 ..'Matron' RHD Ambulance-2008 on
64 FL 75 'Ex-Dredd' RHD GS- 'Doc' Ambi-2010 on

My setup in the Stage 1





I was under the impression you could buy the threaded plugs with a barbed connection in it.




Oh, love the telly aerial on your van.

_________________
Mick
REMLR # 310
MVCA # 364
101 Club # 2188
Military History Group Inc. # 101
29-417 101 GS
30-248 101 Rapier Tractor
30-238 the latest addition

As the transfer box manages to pump oil into the gearbox (IIRC), won't this just facilitate the process unless there is an isolating valve to stop this easy movement while the vehicle is in motion?

Hi again,

Good thinking Mick, I never thought about a ready made fitting.

I will inquire at the EnZed pipe store next chance, although the main filler plug is real close to my exhaust, I may have to use a 90 degree bend immediately and that may be a possible problem unless they make those fittings in the appropriate size.

Horace, I thought and asked that exact same question and was told that it was due to splashing internally and is not related to pressure in-differences.
I too thought the transfer was creating pressure.

Both units have breathers, I was told by more knowledgeable people than myself...

I can just about tell when I have topped up the transfer box as there is slightly less play and backlash when driving, so I may be able to detect the transfer emptying.

Unless i fit a pressure sensor on the new stub and find out for sure...

Maybe someone can shed some further light on this problem.

Cheers fellas

The overdrive, when fitted, is splash fed. (If that is even English).
The leak from the transfer box to gearbox, is via the gearbox output shaft bearing, I believe. There is a seal IIRC but I haven't time to go looking at the parts book ATM.

There is a seal & there are individual breathers on each section of the transmission unit. Replacing the seal is a box out job, so you coul try that first? Obviously there is plenty of splashing about, as you would know if putting drive through the box with a cover removed. The balance pipe allows the oil levels to balance out in the stationary position when the oil is hot & thin. It is a hodge, but successful in doing what needs to be done & a lot easier than continually draining & refilling or stripping the box.

_________________
Pete 101 Expedition Vehicle
Chairman & Membership Secretary

Box out job to change the seal, no real guarantee how long it will last and it's been a known fault for years.

Fit the balance pipe.

_________________
1973 Series III One Ton
1988 110 CSW with BMW M52B28 (2.8i)

I make bulkheads. Facebook.com/westlakesawd

With a non-return valve so it only lets the oil return to the transfer box?

_________________
Dave
101GS 65FL39

A normal non-return valve will probably not operate in this application as the pressure difference will be miniscule between the boxes.
This is why I suggested an isolating valve that was opened when the vehicle is at rest on level ground.
Or if you wanted to make things complicated a solenoid valve operating in the same way.

I made up a balance pipe system a few years ago now and it works perfect. There is no need to over complicate it. Gravity does its work fine. And I do a few k a year.

Hi again Fellas,

Some good ideas out there...

I do notice when i top up the transfer, as mentioned before.

The power delivery to the wheels feels smoother and if I also grease the UJ's the front grumble is reduced by around 50% or more.

I don't know whether this is unique to my vehicle but I think not.

I have been using heavy 140 gear oil for the transfer and 20/50 for the main, I am aware of the pump shearing issue but it does improve the drive experience somewhat.

In summer I top up the transfer with 140 and discard the main gearbox excess, in winter I switch to 20/50 and again discard the main excess.

I like the fact that I am cycling the oil throughout the years.

My last issue is whether I can get a plug big enough to fit the main gearbox, with a 90 degree bend in it to avoid the exhaust which is only an inch or so away...

Which may bring me full circle to whether you know of any kind soul that can manufacture one for me...

See how it goes in a few weeks when I get back to civilization.

I am in the Australian bush at the moment...no garages around here, just wildlife and the stars.

and my God what stars.

Si.

Regards again

I have always fitted an axle breather to the transfer box on series 1 , 2 & 3. I am new to 101s so cant say it would work but it don't cost much 1/8 bsp thread