if you do track days how often should you change them?my car has done just over 6000miles and about 6 track days.think the manual says 30k,but was just wondering what your thoughts are.

cheers

john

 

I changed the gear oil at the weekend and what a difference it has made,I thought at the time that I was wasting money but think I will change it yearly from now on.

 

Hi john,

what difference did you get? did you get
smoother gearchanges? ALso did you use
the recommended Shell API 80W-90 ? as Ive got
some (enough for a change) as I bought 4/5 litres a while ago as it needed topping up.

cheers,
Matt.

 

Matt,

I used Castrol Syntrax part synthetic.

the gear change is smoother but also 2nd and reverse are engaged easier,before when cold, going from 1st to 2nd was a pain and reverse has always been awkward,now both are very much improved,just hope it lasts.

john

 

I too have Castrol Syntrax and agree with the above regarding 1st & 2nd.

Thought I needed ne Synchro's but Castrol sorted it for £40 :-)

 

thanks guys...sounds like a good plan then!


cheers
Matt

 

Want to do my Engine Oil & Gearbox Oil Next Week......but never done it myself..

Please tell me what I need, and how to do the Gearbox?????

4ltrs Engine oil?
'???x???'ltrs Gear Oil??????????????
Oil Filter - Probably pass on this as it is a 3500 mile change for engine.
Do I need any new washer/gasket thingies for doing these oil changes??????

 

Houlbt,

my advise it to take the car for a short run and then drain the hot oil into a 5litre measuring jug.that way if 3.5l come out you know how much to put in.the reason for this is that a dip stick is not very accurate when doing refills as the oil takes time to level off and it is very easy to overfill,which aint good for a scoob.
I think the sump plug is 17mm and the gearbox is 21mm but I had a rack of sockets so do not take these sizes as gospel.really you should change the sump plug washer but have to admit that I did not as the dealer does at the 6month/7500m service.
when I got the syntrax from halfords I wanted to spend over £50 to get a tenner discount,so bought a orange coloured funnel stamped pressol 160.this was great for filling up the gearbox as it reached down to the gearbox dip stick hole and also flowed slow enough not to air lock and spill oil everywhere.
once you have tightened the plugs up and put fresh oil in,check that the oil is above the min marks and then start the engine and let it run for a minute or so,switch off and check for leaks,leave standing on level ground for at least an hour before checking the oil levels on dip stick marks and doing any topping up.

good luck

john

 

forgot to mention,if you do change the oil filter,fill it with oil and coat rubber gasket with fresh oil before screwing up,I do not like the fitting of empty filters and starting the engine to fill them while watching the oil light.

john

 

WOW!...changed my gearbox oil last night...I today I magically have a new gearbox! One that loves changing smoothly and effortlessly from 4th->3rd and 3rd->2nd..

Used Shell API GL5 75W/90.
A word of caution though. Was under car gently undoing plug with oil pan ready...just one more 1/4 turn and the plug shot out and the oil splashed on my face..not too much...but enough for me to 'cac my wack' and bang my head on the bottom of the engine
I also used the orange pressol funnel. vgood worth the couple of quid.

cheers,
Matt.

 

Houlbt,

I used exactly 4 litres in my gearbox.
Plug is at lowest point on gearbox you cant
miss it. Use new plug washer (£1.39 from dealer) .Fill into dipstick tube.
Matt.