Checking oil level in type 9 box

[zetec]

Haven't checked it since install- mind you I've had no leakage but for piece of mind I'm checking it.

what I think is the filler plug seems low on the passenger side of the box is this right??

also what is the level I should be looking for?

[Geoff Brown]

Yes you are correct! Type 9 filler/level plug on LHS of casing & since CC changed the chassis bar config you cannot cut a hole in the pax footwell skin for easy access.

Best way to get the plug out is with a cut down allen key (the straight bit) that goes in & leaves enough room to be turned out initially with a spanner then removed for the plug to be turned by hand.

With the car level when the plug is removed you should, after a second or two get a slow trickle of oil. If not adjust the level until you do.

A messy job & you WILL swear....a little!

[SM25T]

ie ... the filler plug is also the level plug.

[Jonathan Kay]

As above + advice with pictures from Alcester Racing 7s.

Jonathan

[Domus]

 

 

LADS top tip

Cut off a short section of Allen key and Araldite it into the plug.  Easier to put a spanner on it than to fit an Allen key in such a small space.

 

When the oil runs down you sleeve the level is correct 

[Mankee]

If you like shiny and/or useful stuff, BGH can supply an alloy lid complete with a dipstick. It takes next to no time to check the level and there's no need to get underneath the car. Also comes with a breather port, which is useful if you like giving your box and oil a good smashing, as the casing can breathe and vapour be vented properly instead of trying to push its way through seals and gaskets.

[zetec]

Oooohh that sounds very sexy!

[Mankee]

It's just a slab of alloy really, but it is nicely made and, more importantly for me, is functional. The dip stick is in the furthest corner away from the camera, next to the bellhousing:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/3f4xwiw7aiafqtr/BGHBox.jpg?dl=0

[zetec]

Superb photo Mankee ! 

I take it the level/ fill plug is the sliver Allen head thingy?

that looks a lovely bit of kit !

[twincamtim]

The BGH website doesn't give details for this part - do you have a price for it?

Thanks.

[Mankee]

Craig, yes, the shiny plug is the filler/level plug. On this box, it's a square section, but others may be hex. Early casings had the plug a little higher up in that flat section, hence, took more oil, around 1.9 litres I think. The lower later plug takes a few hundred millilitres less. I think I run around 1.3 litres of the Comma/Caterham stuff for pure track abuse.

Tim, I don't have a price for the lid alone unfortunately, as I spent a tonne of money on a heap of new bits at the same time as the rebuild. Best to give them a buzz. And let us know how much it is; it'll be well worth the money, especially in comparison to other alloy lids. You could even fit it without taking the engine/box out.

[simonpa]

It's also quite possible to take the standard lid off (with engine/box in place), using a 1/4"-drive ratchet and 10mm socket.  
You can see the level plug from the inside and can also suck out/fill the 'box this way :)

 

[CharlesElliott]

I do it the way Simon does. Just need to make sure the gasket/plate reseals nicely. 

[SM25T]

R&R advised me to put a smear of silicone sealer under the gasket on the lid ..... and a smear of grease on the face that sits on the top of the gearbox. This helps it come off with the lid.

[zetec]

Oh joys of a short footwell- I did it the old way & the level was low- not dripping out the hole so a quick top up sort it. Thanks for all responses guys!