The 'E' Type Forum

Hi all,
I intend to service the Moss gearbox of my 3.8 FHC.
I sourced Redline MTL to do so.
I understand that draining should be done via a bottom plug and refilling via a plug on the LH side:



Before doing so, I would like to have a few confirmations and tips:
- what is the exact size of the hex plug on the side, is it metric or not? (same question for the drain plug) not to ruin the plugs if seized...
- is draining by gravity enough to empty the box from used oil?
- can the filling be done simply using a funnel and hose by gravity until oil reaches the level of the filler plug, and are new seals required for both plugs?
- and is there a possibility to later check the level with a dipstick that would be accessible from the top cover of the box? I see a dipstick mentioned on the angloparts sketch but without precise location:



I also see numerous plugs on the top cover pic but don't know what is their use:



Thx for your help

1) definitely not metric...nothing on your Jaguar is.
2) yes, gravity draining is sufficient.
3) yes...use a funnel or a squirt-bottle to refill with Redline MTL (an excellent choice).
4) yes, you must replace the two copper crush-washers (readily available from any auto parts store).
5) I never heard of a Moss gearbox dipstick...seems like overkill for something you only need to do once a year or so.

Good luck,
Alan
N.J.

Serge

The box was developed in the 1930's and uses imperial nuts, bolts and plugs.
You can drain by gravity - leave overnight
Filling is best done by using an old gear oil bottle (with the long tube) as you can squeeze the oil in. A funnel and pipe would also work
No dipstick other than your finger pushed into the level hole (Jaguar refer to it as a 'level at side of casing')

The level and drain plugs are the same - part C799 and use washer C785 (specified as fibre in the SPC)
JB Sports are the best source of parts and spares (they specialise in Morgan's): https://jb-engineering.co.uk/?page_id=77

Redline MTL is superb but for some unknown reason it improves the Moss box over time so don't be too disappointed if is not a miracle cure! Can take weeks or months but it does work.

Edit: seem to have posted this at the same time as Alan but the info is the same other than the washer material!

Many thaks to both of you for your quick and very useful infos and tips!

Serge:

One last thing...since Redline MTL has a low viscosity it will exacerbate any gearbox leaks you may have. I’ve decided that the improvement in shifting performance is worth a few drops of oil on the garage floor.


Alan
N.J.

Thank you Alan,
I'm aware that the seals and my garage floor may disapprove but I am also willing to taste the improved smoothness brought to the Moss box :)
(although I am now used to the gymnastics of its gear changes ;))

Dip stick on the previous model (XK150) as far as I know. If you look at the diagram supplied by the OP you can see the longer remote casting.

Barrie

Good point Barrie, that may be true.
I genuinely thought that the Moss box displayed by Angloparts was for an E-Type, as they advertise it on their website...
https://www.angloparts.com/en/catalogue ... -1961-1964

A few pictures from servicing.
Very straightforward: