Volvo MS4a gearbox questions

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gery w

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After a fairly long run yesterday at planing speeds I noticed a weep of gearbox oil from the top housing of the gearbox and also around the end plate where the oil cooler bolts on. Before our return trip I decided to check the oil level and when I removed the dipstick there was a hiss as the pressure was released from the gearbox. Cruised home at displace em speeds and all was well no leaks.

Should the oil level be checked with the dipstick screwed in or unscrewed?

Is the oil cooler cleanable as I suspect the above may be temp related?

Are there any anodes in the gearbox oil cooler?

Is there a breather on the gearbox?

I would greatly appreciate any info on the above
Regards Gerry
 
gery w said:
After a fairly long run yesterday at planing speeds I noticed a weep of gearbox oil from the top housing of the gearbox and also around the end plate where the oil cooler bolts on. Before our return trip I decided to check the oil level and when I removed the dipstick there was a hiss as the pressure was released from the gearbox. Cruised home at displace em speeds and all was well no leaks.

Should the oil level be checked with the dipstick screwed in or unscrewed? Screwed In

Is the oil cooler cleanable as I suspect the above may be temp related? Not sure, never tried it. Have you checked water flow & temp?

Are there any anodes in the gearbox oil cooler? No, only on engine cooler

Is there a breather on the gearbox? No

I would greatly appreciate any info on the above
Regards Gerry
Click to expand...

The only thing I would add is, make sure you have an o-ring in good condition on the dipstick. That'll help reduce leaks
My MS4a's weep a bit from underneath but as it's only a little bit (not enough to even warrant topping up in a season) I just keep wiping it clean and leave it alone.
 
Hi I've already replaced the o ring on the dipstick. Is the oil level checked with the dipstick screwed down or just resting on top?
Regards Gerry
 
gery w said:
Hi I've already replaced the o ring on the dipstick. Is the oil level checked with the dipstick screwed down or just resting on top?
Regards Gerry
Click to expand...

Screwed in according to Trundlebug's response above

but none of the manuals referring to this gear box which I have consulted specify

What does your own manual say?
 
Sorry missed that, I have been unable to locate a manual which covers the ms4 however if the level is checked with the dipstick screwed in then there is to much oil in both boxes.
 
LynnC said:
The oil level needs to be checked with the dipstick NOT screwed in
It is in the manual,
Click to expand...

Yes I can confirm that is correct. T'bug above is wrong

From one of the engine manuals: ( complete with mispront)

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Well that's confirmed then level to be checked with dipstick not screwed in. Just need to figure out why it is weeping out now?
Thanks guys
 
Apologies I was convinced it was checked when screwed in, have just re-checked in my manual and see I was wrong above.
Yes, check with dipstick screwed out.

If you're unsure you could always drain the gearbox, refill with exactly the correct amount of 1.7 Litres and then check the level on the dipstick.
 
No sweat,I may change the oil in both boxes as I don't know when it was last done however it looks clean.
 
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