alexGS said:
Good idea Chas,
I've also had great success with engine oil flushing agent added to the gearbox prior to draining (I kid you not), mostly on gearboxes that were filled with too-thick 90EP oil. The gearbox needs a good drive to get the flushing agent through it. Maybe leave it in for a week or so of gentle driving, or just one good trip should do it. Then drain out and replace with your chosen oil. Should be a noticeable difference.
Hard to say which way it might swing though, because on my Mum's Uno 70 it was the engine oil that made the change reluctant and crunchy, though that's subtly-different to 'sticky'. Only you will be able to know for sure - let us know what you find?
My plastic funnel with the garden hose attached never seems to be too far away these days...
Thanks,
-Alex
Well, I haven't changed the gearbox oil yet, but I've done something that has seemed to affect the gearchange action.
When fitting the anti-roll bar a month or so ago, I managed to puncture the outer driveshaft boot. It was only a small hole, but after a few weeks it started chucking out grease
Anyway, nothing for it but to take the driveshaft off and replace it with one from my stack of spares. Of course, while removing the inner boot from the gearbox, loads of oil spilled out from the gearbox. All over the driveway (ooer!).
It smelt funny, sort of pungent, so I guess it must have been the EP90 or stuff with anti wear properties?
I didn't have any oil to refill the gearbox, so just bunged it all back together with the intention of giving the gearbox a flush and oil change at a later date.
Obviously my gearbox has less oil in it than it should do, as it left quite a slick on the drive that took ages to clear up. However, even though it is low on oil the gearchange is MUCH better! It's no longer as hesitant, and it doesn't baulk the gears as bad as it did.
I can only assume that the oil it had in it was way too thick, and must have been causing drag on the selector shafts and drive dogs. This might explain its stubborness when filled to the correct level.
I have half term coming up in a week, so I'll go and buy some proper ENGINE oil rather than gearbox oil and do a change after a flush through. I'll report back on whether it makes any difference!
Chas