Sunbeam Alpine: Changing the gearbox & overdrive oil

[@garyjones8556]

Another great video

[@TheSunbeamAlpineChannel]

Thank you!

[@Know-Expert]

Another excellent video that reminds me to do things I almost certainly wouldn’t otherwise think about. I’ll be doing it as soon as I have a nice weekend weather. A few quick questions….. is it ok to just do the change with the main plug and leave the half pint or so to mix with the new oil? Do you still fill to the same level on older series even though it takes a half pint less? And lastly once the job is done is there anything that needs to be done to prime the empty overdrive system? Thanks.

[@TheSunbeamAlpineChannel]

It is fine to only drain from the main plug, a lot of people do this. The level is always the same, you want the oil to just be starting to run out of the filler hole. There is no need to specifically prime anything, just refill the box but make sure you use the correct grade of oil.

[@Know-Expert]

Thanks, I’ll get onto it ….@@TheSunbeamAlpineChannel

[@keithgarland3404]

most 60s 70s british cars had 3000 mile service intervals, remember, the build and tolerances / fits were different to modern vehicles, also the metals and lubricants were different. Modern vehicles do not require decokes, service every 10000 miles, use synthetics, and will run to 500,000 miles, if driven and maintained correctly. Although servicing of modern vehicles is not as thorough, as the older servicing. Just one example, the rotating of all wheels, including spare wheel, to ensure even wear.

[@TheSunbeamAlpineChannel]

Absolutely, which is why it is important not to skimp on regular servicing on these lovely old cars.

[@sujpuj]

Oh noo! I’ve put 80w90 gl4 gear oil the other day!

[@TheSunbeamAlpineChannel]

You really don’t want that in your gearbox/overdrive. Drain it off and either fit straight SAE 30 or a Classic 20/50.