My first post here other than the post to introduce myself.
I have a technical question regarding the transmission fluid level.
I have recently bought a Lower and upper boot replacement from MX5 Parts as there is substantial engine fumes coming into cabin and also a notchy gear box.While replacing this I was thinking of topping up the transmission fluid, but do not want to over fill the gear box.
I know the 6 speed manual hasn’t got a separate turret and it just shares fluid from the gear box.
Is there a marker or guide to how much I should top it up by and is there and adverse effect on over filling?
If you have the filler plug out, with a bowl underneath, then you can’t over fill it, as the filler hole is the correct level.
Overfill and it will just run out.
Also note that the 6 speed box is renown for being notchy, which gets better as the oil warms up, so changing the oil may not necessarily cure the notchyness.
You can fill the 6 speed (NB) from the turret, ideal if you are doing the shift boots.
If you just want to check the level of the oil then you will need to remove the level plug of course. Left side, passenger side of the gearbox you will find the drain and level/fill plugs, DO NOT REMOVE THE PLUG/BOLT ON THE OTHER SIDE (driver side) OF THE GEARBOX. It’s not a drain plug it’s something to do with the gear selector mech, a gearbox strip down required if you touch that by mistake.
As I said you can fill via the turret if you are doing an oil change, just remove the drain plug for removing the old oil, replace plug and fill via turret. I replaced mine with Castrol Syntrans 75w 90 x 2 litres.
when you mean ‘replace the plug’ do you mean I need to buy a new plug or can I use the existing one? Also how much difference was there once oil was fully changed?
Use the Cstrol Syntrans 75W/90 Multi Vehicle GL4 no other Catrol oil or Redline MT90 both are thin at lower temperatures so help the gearchange at startup.
Yes you can re use the plug but better to replace the copper or aliminium crush washer.
I mean put the plug back in, you can reuse the plug, just get a new washer for it.
When I replaced the gear oil in my Mk2 6 speed it did improve the gear changes from 1st to 2nd which can be stiff and notchy, especially from cold. It’s a question asked regularly and usually it helps to change the oil with a suitable brand as I mentioned above or Redline MT90 is often recommended. Replacing the shift boots as you are doing also helps tighten up the gear changing process but of course not a notchy gearbox.
Okay, Looks like its a bigger job than I first thought. I looked at the Redline MT90 as it had great reviews on the forums but expensive.
Also could any help me to locate a crush washer replacement?
Thanks for all the advice guys, only own the car for 3 week so far and its a dream to drive.
It’s not vital you replace the washer, just best practice. I’ve managed on more than one occasion to reuse washers.
The job itself it not difficult, that’s changing shift boots and oil change. It’s the getting the car up in the air and grovelling under to remove the drain plug that’s the pain. As I said earlier, fill the 6 speed from the turret as you have the shift boots to do, no messing with level plugs.
Yeah that’s is the main parts i’m worried about, Getting the car in the air and all.
Also i’ve been reading that the 2001-2004 have some sort of bracing or plates in the way as well. I’m going to give it my best shot tomorrow morning and report back.
Also ill be changing the HT leads for 8mm ones, also a Pippercross panel filter and giving the MAF a quick clean.
Not sure if it will make any difference but its a bit of fun.