Diff and Gearbox Sump Plugs - Fulcrum Oil Seals
Posted: Tue Apr 14, 2015 5:05 am
In other threads you can read about the work I have done on my engine and front diff over the past 6 months.
I am just putting all the covers and plates back on under the vehicle.
Before putting the front bash plate on I thought I would check the front diff oil level and the front hub oil. Front hub oils are clear with no metal bits from the new hubs gears wearing in so oil replaced anyway. The diff oil was a toffee colour - not water - I suspect some of the excess orange sealant used on the rebuild has mixed with the oil giving it an orange colour so I replaced the oil anyway. As mentioned somewhere, the sump threads on the front diff and one of the gearbox plugs were dodgy and would not lock tightly in - but not loose enough to fall out. Well taking the diff sump plug out finally did them in this time. I tried to get M13 self cutting (the originals are M12 1.5) plugs but none could be had so I bought some M14 plugs, a tap and a 12.5mm drill bit. The new hole was easily drilled and tapped and the new M14 sump plug went straight in.
My only oversight was picked up after I put the bash plate back - the hole in it to allow you to remove the sump plug is a little small but might work with a thin walled socket. Other wise next front diff oil change I will need to take the bash plate off and ream the hole a little.
I will put in the M14 sump plug in the gearbox when it is time to change its oil. I need to find some magnets to put in the new plugs but there is no swarf in there at the moment so not an urgent issue.
I mentioned that I have always had trouble with the front swing arm fulcrum pin oil seals leaking and am critical of the lubrication design - would have been easier not to have them lubricated by the diff oil and just greased though a grease nipple. Anyway when I did the front diff rebuild I replaced all the oil seals on the fulcrum but again as usual they are leaking again - I have managed to stop all the oil leaks in my Haffie except the front diff which does make a mess on my drive way so I either park of the grass or have a can of degreaser handy - having the bash plate back on will help as it will pool in the plate and hopefully disperse as I drive - not a big leak just drop here and there - guess I will have to live with it.
The rear swing arm seals that have not been replaced since I have had it - weep just a little but do not drop oil.
Garry
I am just putting all the covers and plates back on under the vehicle.
Before putting the front bash plate on I thought I would check the front diff oil level and the front hub oil. Front hub oils are clear with no metal bits from the new hubs gears wearing in so oil replaced anyway. The diff oil was a toffee colour - not water - I suspect some of the excess orange sealant used on the rebuild has mixed with the oil giving it an orange colour so I replaced the oil anyway. As mentioned somewhere, the sump threads on the front diff and one of the gearbox plugs were dodgy and would not lock tightly in - but not loose enough to fall out. Well taking the diff sump plug out finally did them in this time. I tried to get M13 self cutting (the originals are M12 1.5) plugs but none could be had so I bought some M14 plugs, a tap and a 12.5mm drill bit. The new hole was easily drilled and tapped and the new M14 sump plug went straight in.
My only oversight was picked up after I put the bash plate back - the hole in it to allow you to remove the sump plug is a little small but might work with a thin walled socket. Other wise next front diff oil change I will need to take the bash plate off and ream the hole a little.
I will put in the M14 sump plug in the gearbox when it is time to change its oil. I need to find some magnets to put in the new plugs but there is no swarf in there at the moment so not an urgent issue.
I mentioned that I have always had trouble with the front swing arm fulcrum pin oil seals leaking and am critical of the lubrication design - would have been easier not to have them lubricated by the diff oil and just greased though a grease nipple. Anyway when I did the front diff rebuild I replaced all the oil seals on the fulcrum but again as usual they are leaking again - I have managed to stop all the oil leaks in my Haffie except the front diff which does make a mess on my drive way so I either park of the grass or have a can of degreaser handy - having the bash plate back on will help as it will pool in the plate and hopefully disperse as I drive - not a big leak just drop here and there - guess I will have to live with it.
The rear swing arm seals that have not been replaced since I have had it - weep just a little but do not drop oil.
Garry