gearbox oil emulsifying

Post by **scott75** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 8:11 pm

Hi All just checked my gearbox and for the second time looks emulsifed
not as bad as the first time which i put down to a long period in the garage.
What could be causeing this?
If it is due to contamination will it improve with more oil changes is there a better oil than Halfords 15w/50?
Is there any way to flush out the box?
Has this happened to anyone else?Cheers Scott

Post by **les** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 10:39 pm

Sounds unusual to me, try draining over night and refilling again with a 20/50 oil. Not too sure about flushing, I'd rather change the oil a couple of times.

Post by **Kevin** » Sun Aug 29, 2004 8:43 am

I am with Les on this if the oil was that bad (I have not seen it before either) changing it will still have left some in there and the new oil is soaking up whats left, I would change it again as Les suggests, and I am not sure about flushing either.

Post by **Willie** » Sun Aug 29, 2004 12:42 pm

SCOTT, there is no contamination of the gearbox oil as it is
not subject to combustion by-products etc. It should stay clean
and in good condition for many many thousands of miles. Are you
sure it is not just 'frothy'. If not, then,as suggested, go for a
good warm up run and immediately drain it again. There is nothing
wrong with Halfords 15-50W.

Post by **scott75** » Sun Aug 29, 2004 5:51 pm

Hi All cheers i will drain gearbox just wanted to check incase it might have been something serious many thanks Scott

Post by **rayofleamington** » Tue Aug 31, 2004 9:40 am

The only thing I casn think of it that the box was left out in the rain for a short while with the fillr open and some water got in it. As mentioned already there's not much reason for it to emulsify (opaque and slimy), although 'frothy' can look similar.

Post by **brixtonmorris** » Tue Aug 31, 2004 9:51 am

i agree with ray. ive seen it on gearboxes left out side in the rain,
or steam cleaning with the gear stick missing.

Post by **Multiphonikks** » Tue Aug 31, 2004 5:31 pm

I know that when I serviced Hebe recently her gearbox oil was really smelly and we had froth in the bucket too.

I don't think though that it'd been changed for a very long time...

Post by **rayofleamington** » Tue Aug 31, 2004 6:06 pm

her gearbox oil was really smelly and we had froth in the bucket too.

Quite often people use gearbox oil in the mogy box (shouldn't be used). That stuff has a very distinctive smell that is hard to get rid of! I've never noticed any particular smell when using the correct oil (engine oil)