Topping up diff

Post by **minor_hickup** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 8:46 pm

I'm taking the car to winchester on monday which is a fair old run, so i have checked all the fluids. However I went to check the level of oil in the diff, removed the filler plug and oil has come pouring out! The car has been on a good run to goodwood and back but has been standing for about 4 hours since its been driven. The oil kept coming out, despite the fact that most of the oil is gone. I checked the level bu putting my pinky through the hole and couldnt feel the oil level, why is it pouring out!?

Post by **les** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 9:42 pm

It will only drain to the level of the filler hole, it can't do anything else!

Post by **minor_hickup** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 9:44 pm

I know thats why its so confusing!Is there any way oil can get trapped in the top somewhere? Ive been out again, put my finger in and no oil below the filler hole (that i can feel with my finger) but any i put in drains straight out!

Post by **les** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 9:49 pm

If it drains straight out, it must be at the right level. Put a piece of stiff wire (bent at a right angle) through the hole, as a sort of dipstick and check it that way, being carefull not to get any oil on it before it enters

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Apr 02, 2006 1:26 pm

Too much oil in diff is just asking for leaks at the hubs. But you have to wonder how too much got in there! I assume the car is sitting level ?

Post by **minor_hickup** » Sun Apr 02, 2006 1:37 pm

yeah its level, and it was last time i filled it. And yeah i filled it just to the bottom of the threads. I've taken the drain plug out the bottom and not much has come out. So im pressuming im filing it wrong. Buti've never had this trouble before.

Post by **minor_hickup** » Sun Apr 02, 2006 2:13 pm

Well i drainedit, a tiny bit of oil came out, and refilled it with no problems this time! It still makes no sense