The 'E' Type Forum

Hi everyone.
I reckon David will come back on this as I have read many of his posts on this. Specifically I have in my car an overdrive unit(and greetings to Peter Crespin the supplier-how is the US of A?) which is getting very sluggish on the change. I am sure a new oil change would help but which oil? MTL or MT90 - also I correct in thinking 2 quarts needed and that just a warm drain will suffice before new oil is added?
Many thanks
Simon

30 weight non detergent motor oil as per John Espinoza aka Quantumechanics in Oxford Ct. USA Abnd he is adamant about using this....
Mitch

Hi Simon...you should go with the oil thats recommended for your gearbox....you do not want to risk the gearbox for the sake of the overdrive.....Steve

Thanks Guys,appreciate the comments.
Blimey this is a big subject with so many opinions. As far as I can find out the Laycock compact A Type does not like EP90 which appears to be the recommended oil for the Moss. Obviously MT90 was not around at the time so could not be recommended. It also appears that it is a clear winner with most of you so unless I hear an absolute NO I think I will put it in and hope for the best. Watch this space!
Many thanks
Simon

Hi Simon...what gearbox do you have.....you mention a Moss....and also a Compact type a overdrive....is it a Moss box or 4 syncro... Steve

OK I always assumed it was a Moss from an early XJ6- at least that was what Peter Crespin said it was.As to synchro it certainly feels that way. The Compact A Type is the only one that fits directly onto the 2+2 box without alteration again as I was told.
Should I doubt any of this?

If it is really from an early XJ 6 then it is definitely a Jaguar all-synchro and not a Moss Box. The correct oil for these is indeed EP90,( and not 30 as stated in some manuals, which is an error) whereas for a Moss based setup it is straight 30 . If you want to use a redline equivalent, then provided it is definitely EP type it will be ok

The easy way to tell the boxes apart is from the reverse position . On a Moss it is to the left and up, adjacent to 1st, whereas for the Jaguar box it is to the right and down, adjacent to 4th gear position

ERROR ! ERROR ! What was I thinking of ? On the all synchro box reverse is to the left and down adjacent to 2nd gear. Thanks to angelw for pointing this out

Christopher Wrote:

The easy way to tell the boxes apart is from the reverse position . On a Moss it is to the left and up, adjacent to 1st, whereas for the Jaguar box it is to the right and down, adjacent to 4th gear position

Hello Christopher,
That will be to the Left and Back for the all synchro box, next to 2nd gear.

Regards,

Bill

Hi Simon.....if your box and o/d came from an xj6 you could refer to to the xj6 service manual..it covers both the gearbox and o/d....the recommendation in the gearbox sections is EP90....becaus the oil is common between the two units its therefore EP90 for both....recomended is drain gearbox when hot.....however this will not drain o/d. you need to remove filter plug, filter and magnetic washers from side of o/d....refill via the gearbox and check level via gearbox level hole.......recheck level after a run as some oil will remain in the overdrive hydraulic system....Steve

Here I sit with a compact A overdrive from an xj6 that was gone thru by Quantumechanics...John, 0ver 30 years doing all kinds of overdrives, specifically states USE 30 WEIGHT NON DETERGENT MOTOR OIL. Tests indicated detergent creates air thus ruining the OD. Also important to maintain correct fluid level.
Mitch

Hi Mitch....yes you quoted 30 weight oil as recomended by you overdrive specialist...but what about the gearbox..Jaguar has far more experiance and for a 4 syncro (xj6 gearbox) they specify EP90..and as the overdrive is a common fill the same oil will be used.. Steve

Hi All
Very interesting and thanks for feedback. I at last know exactly which gearbox I have(Jag all synchro) because of the reverse(next to 2nd!)
I have a call in to Classic Oils in Bicester who apparently are the 'folks that know'. I will get back when I've talked with them and probably add more contention to the issue!
Many thanks
Simon

Hi All
OK from the horse's mouth that is Guy at https://www.classic-oils.net
First recommendation is Redline MT90-drain as normal-no problem with some old left in the hard to drain places and put in the MT90 (his book says approx 1.7ltr for box and o/d).
If you want to stay mineral then Millers EP80W/90 GL4 would be his recommendation.
He does though stock most good makes so hasn't any axe to grind.
A very pleasant guy to talk to and says he would welcome any forum members having a chat.
I did contact https://www.overdrive-repairs.co.uk (again very helpful)about filters etc- informed me that the A Type compact has a filter on the side and is a bugger to do on the bench but in situ, leave well alone!
So MT90 it is then and will let you know how it goes.
Thanks for all posts-much appreciated.
Simon

Hi Simon....depending on what xj6 gearbox you have the oil capacity changes....the service manual quotes...Later cars have the filler plug on the right hand side and raised to a higher position on the casing...oil capacity is increased to 4.5 imp pints (2.5 litres)..it dosnt mention o/d capacity.... Steve

Simon Bolton wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 30, 2018 4:09 pm

OK I always assumed it was a Moss from an early XJ6- at least that was what Peter Crespin said it was.
Should I doubt any of this?

You should doubt the wisdom of ‘assuming’ anything Simon. To the best of my recollection I have never sold a Moss box of any description. The two unloved specimens sitting under my workbench are sticking to me like burrs to a woolly jumper.

Apart from anything, they would not fit an XJ or an E-type, due to the larger/longer Type A overdrive used with rhe Moss. The Compact Type A is what I will have sold you.

Are you the chap who bought my bonnet or the one who dropped off a very noisy standard 2+2 box in px?