Gearbox Oil Change - Something I recommend you do if you don't know when it was last done!
Posted
#1542945
(In Topic #206234)
Old Timer
The oil looked clear enough when I drained it but I got less than a litre out and when I had it in the measuring jug I was surprised at how dirty and thin it was compared to the new oil! Changing the linkage etc transformed my gear change but changing the oil has also made a huge difference, making it very smooth especially once it's warmed up. I still get a slight crunch going from 1st to 2nd when cold but once warmed up all the gears are very smooth!
I just though I'd share this as it's the first time I've ever checked my transmission oil in any car I've ever owned and it had less than half it's capacity and it was obviously well past it's best before date! It took less than an hour and, in my opinion, is well worth it cos you don't want to trash your transmission!
Mars red 1.8 GTI tintop now MOT'd and on the road!
http://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fwent-to-look-at-a-golf&kfs79=150
http://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fwent-to-look-at-a-golf&kfs79=150
Posted
Settled In
Posted
Old Timer
Mars red 1.8 GTI tintop now MOT'd and on the road!
http://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fwent-to-look-at-a-golf&kfs79=150
http://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fwent-to-look-at-a-golf&kfs79=150
Posted
Local Hero
I've never managed to get as much oil in as you but I only fill mine up to the filler hole then jack it up a little then fill in some more. I use about 1 and 3/4 L and my gearbox has been OK for many years on that amount.
I've used the fully sythectic stuff from Eurocarparts in both my gearboxes and have been pleased with the smoothness of the gear change, it works well in the winter when it's cold.
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Volkswagen_Golf+Cabriolet_1.8_1989/p/car-accessories/engine-oils-and-car-fluids/car-tranmission-oils/manual-transmission-fluids/?522776022&0&cc5_868
worth getting a 17mm tool to undo the drain and filler plugs if you don't have a big Allen key.
Just undo the filler plug first incase you have problems, new plugs are available from VW if your is rounded off for not a lot of money, I had to replace mine the other year.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DRAPER-38323-3-8-SQ-DRIVE-DRAIN-PLUG-KEY-17MM-HEX-AUDI-BMW-ROVER-VW-GEARBOX-/391507365353?hash=item5b27a84de9:g:tNkAAMXQ1ZhTjJnS
Last edit: by mark1gls
1988 Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet 1.8cc DX, K-jet. Daily drive. 317,000 miles and counting
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.
Posted
Old Timer
I chose the oil I used because it was what was recommended by my local car shop, who was also closing down and I got it half price. I'll see how it goes and I might try some synthetic oil next time. How often do you change yours?
Luckily I had a drain plug tool from the good old days when I did all my own car maintenance (there must be a 17mm plug on 1980's Vauxhalls as well)!
Mars red 1.8 GTI tintop now MOT'd and on the road!
http://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fwent-to-look-at-a-golf&kfs79=150
http://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fwent-to-look-at-a-golf&kfs79=150
Posted
Settling In
Posted
Old Timer
Mars red 1.8 GTI tintop now MOT'd and on the road!
http://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fwent-to-look-at-a-golf&kfs79=150
http://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fwent-to-look-at-a-golf&kfs79=150
Posted
Old Timer
Andy
Posted
Old Timer
andyphill said
Can you also fill the gearbox up from the hole in the top where you look at the timing mark or does it have to be from the filling hole on the side.
Andy
Don't top it up through there, that's only the clutch and flywheel in there. I did see a couple of threads where people fill up through the speedo cable hole but the pictures made it look a lot more accessible than it actually was. I also bought a funnel with a long thin tube to go into the gearbox.
Mars red 1.8 GTI tintop now MOT'd and on the road!
http://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fwent-to-look-at-a-golf&kfs79=150
http://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&id=projects%2Fyour-mk1-golfs_2%2Fwent-to-look-at-a-golf&kfs79=150
Posted
Local Hero
andyphill said
Can you also fill the gearbox up from the hole in the top where you look at the timing mark or does it have to be from the filling hole on the side.
Andy
NOOOOOOO!! Don't fill it there, the oil will just go over your clutch and fly wheel the drain out of the bottom on to the floor!
That hole is for setting the timing marks, that is why you can see the fly wheel.
You can use the speedo cable hole but you run the risk of the speedo drive dropping off the end of the speedo cable into your gearbox (happens a lot) and it's really tricky to get in with the fuel injection system in the way.
The filler hole on the side you can get to by just turning the wheels to full lock and lying near the car.
1988 Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet 1.8cc DX, K-jet. Daily drive. 317,000 miles and counting
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.
Posted
Old Timer
Andy
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