1800 es gearbox filler question

[DeanSheldon]

Hi, I have just replaced the speedo angle drive seals on my 1800es manual and I need to top up the gearbox oil. The filler plug above the drain plug is totally rounded off and impossible to move. Can anyone tell me if there is a way to fill The gearbox from the top if I were to remove the console carpets etc? The car is on ramps at the front at the moment and not ideal for messing about with the rounded nut, I am hoping that can wait until I have better access, thanks, Dean

[Derek UK]

Because you have an extension on your gearbox for the gearstick it isn't easy to fill from the top. At the very front close to the bell housing is the overdrive switch. If you can get to that from inside you can remove it and fill from there. Yours may have an access panel there. See pic. I would persevere with the filler plug. It might need heat or a nut welded to it. A garage visit might be needed. They are used to that sort of thing. Just don't be tempted to drain the oil before it is out! YT link for a general look at your GB/OD unit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llQV2JkKbhM&t=57s

[DeanSheldon]

Thanks Derek, that's very helpful.I'll check for the access panel tomorrow failing that I agree, a visit to a garage is on the cards, thanks again, Dean

[142 Guy]

The access panel in the top of the transmission tunnel ended with chassis # 30,000. Yours being an ES will almost certainly not have the access panel on the top of the tunnel.

Aside from the physical difficulty associated with trying to fill through the OD switch port, accurate fill level will be impossible to determine. The procedure is to use a pump and fill through the fill plug until oil runs out the fill plug. Clearly, the car needs to be relatively level to get an accurate measurement. If you have the M41, unless you remove the OD cover (and probably the internal filter cover) you will not get a complete drain and you cannot use the specified oil capacities to determine the amount of fill. Have a replacement gasket on hand if you remove the cover. Even if you remove the OD cover plate you can never get the specified capacity back in because the internal surfaces always retain an oil coating during the change.

The weapons of the Devil may assist you with plug removal. These consist of the biggest slip joint or Vise Grip pliers that you can find. I have both. My slip joint has 12" long handles and with a good grip you can twist the head off of 5/16" bolts without problem.

So you need to be able to remove the fill plug in order to get an accurate fill level. Whether you take it to a mechanic or try the weapons of the devil is your choice. Doing this with the car up on a hoist will be much easier and safer and will also facilitate an accurate fill once the plug is removed.

Have a new replacement plug on hand ahead of time because these may not be so common. I don't know whether the plug uses the common NPT threads.

[DeanSheldon]

Thanks 142 guy.

I won't bother looking for the panel under the carpet but I will have another go at the nut with a slip joint at the weekend.

Does anyone know whether there are different types of angle drive fitted to the 1800es? mine is a VDO which has 33/4811 stamped on it.

The seals I received from Brookhouse were an o-ring and a small round disc (not the top hat I have read about and was expecting)

Thanks

Dean

[DeanSheldon]

VDO.jpg

Rather poor picture of the existing angle drive and new seals, Dean