Came back from a 25 mile run today in the Chummy, within 10 minutes of stopping I had an oil leak from the back axle breather about a four inch patch. I haven’t topped up or done any work on the axle for years and cannot think of anything that could make this happen all of a sudden. I run on SAE 140 , the level is still fine, the breather is pointing upwards with a one inch rubber extension as it has been for the last 25 years. Any ideas?

will oil froth after it is old??and go out of the tube??

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No Hayden - its only old blokes who do that.


Mike

you one then???

Ian try changing the oil !
chris

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You'd better believe it!


Mike

Never even considered that Chris, my SAE 140 may only be a 90 so may be thin enough to come out of the breather. Will change it, I wonder if a little grease mixed with the new oil would be a good idea?

Morris oil do a sae 140 thick oil go back to April thread you will get this type of oil farm type places

Ian use 140 and ONLY PUT 300ML into the diff, NO MORE!
this is more than enough and it will prevent leaks to brake shoes etc I have just travelled peking to paris with 300ml in axle so its ok!

My handbook doesn't mention 300 ml. If I were you Ian, I would put in 7/8 ths of a pint

Thanks for all your input fellows; I have just changed the oil with SAE 140. My usual level is to take out the banjo bolt that is at 20 to 12 when viewed from the off side, and fill until the oil exudes from the hole. This gives a level that just touches the bottom of the diff carrier. Will give it a run tomorrow and see if the problem is cured. What an achievement Chris, I followed your trip with great interest and some jealously to be quite honest, I don’t have the courage to attempt something like that. Can there ever be another car that could take the challenges that are thrown at it? they just keep on going. Quite remarkable!

Just been out on a run,new oil same level as before (Just over half a pint)and all seems to be well.Dry as a bone.Could Hayden be right??

Ian as a matter of interest, half a pint equals 284cc very close to the 300cc suggested by Chris. regards, Bill

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For what it is worth, and to have my three penny-worth.....

I changed the oil in my axle very recently. For convenience, and to cure a leak, I removed the square cover plate which carries the filler plug. Filling through the larger aperture is much easier than through the plug hole. It is also possible to use ones (clean) finger as a dipstick!

I filled to just below the aperture from a new container of 140. I have just had a look at the container, which has one of those useful sight-glass strips, and I see that I used almost exactly 300ml. It certainly seems to be sufficient – and (shame on me) somewhat more indeed than I drained out!


Mike

Mike, out of interest which way does your vent pipe point? does it ever leak?

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Ian

Just had a look, and mine is down and back. It is bone dry after a spirited hundred miles yesterday.

I have a slight weep from the l/h banjo flange, which I think I shall have to live with - I always have!

Mike