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MG TD TF 1500 - Storing a gearbox

Hi all
I happen to have a spare gearbox for my TF. I do not plan to upgrade to some other box in the future. I like original. So, I have a spare. My question is....
How best to STORE the gearbox. I currently have it in upright position, wrapped in plastic. I have some proper oil in it, but HOW MUCH oil would be best? As it sits, there is no circulation of oil, like I would have in a running box. Anyone have sage advice on this?
I'd hate to resort to my spare box in the future only to find that it was ruined by having only 1 quart of oil in it.

Anyone??

Tom
'54 TF
T Norby

Tom

Completely fill the gearbox with oil, any grade that doesnt contain bronze attacking additives will do.

Wrap the gearbox in plastic with some large silica gel packs included and seal all joints with duct tape. Keep stored indoors.

Graeme
G Evans

Tom, We use a good storage oil used by the Airforce.

The tin has long since lost its label but I think it is called Ensus.

Something like Poly-Fiber Engine Storage Oil should work. Its a fine lubricating and preservative oil used to prevent corrosion in internal combustion engines during extended storage.

There will be other brands available.
Rod Brayshaw

Tom, I'd be careful about Graeme's idea. There really isn't a seal at the rear of the gearbox. It's a felt seal/oiler. I think you'd have a plastic bag full of oil after a while. Maybe that's the best solution. Put it into a plastic bag full of oil. Bud
Bud Krueger

I don't see the need to pack it full of oil but it wouldn't hurt. I've had gear boxes and rear ends apart that have sat for decades that show no signs of oxidation internally. But I live in a dry climate too. I'd drain the oil and fill it with fresh synthetic gear oil. I'd coat the input splines , rear flange where it meets the box, throw out linkage and the exposed gear shift mechanism with some grease. Wrap it in plastic and store it on a pallate or off the floor indoors in a position where the oil won't seep out of the rear or speedometer cable attachment.
L E D LaVerne

Bud is right about oil leaking out. With the tranny out of the car and just sitting on the bellhousing, oil runs out of the unsealed rear. The other ideas do sound good however. You could always roll it upside down and/or spin the gears every few months. Indoor temperature controlled storage also would help. George.
George Butz

We used to "Pickle" aircraft engines in the Navy for extended periods aboard ship and exposed to salt air. I believe the process and material used is available on line. PJ
Paul sr

George and I agree. I throw together small wooden cradles with scrap wood so transmissions sit about level, fill them with the usual grade and amount of oil, and every once in a while when I walk by I give the input shafts a spin. The oil is thick enough that it coats everything for many months, and I have never had a problem.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

Wow! Thanks fellows. This is a load of very useful information. Thank you all.

Tom
'54 TF
T Norby

I don't see the need to completely immerse anything in oil. You only need something to act as a barrier between the metal surface and exterior moisture. I like to make sure everything is coated in oil, and then store in a dry area. If you're in a wet climate then sealing it in a plastic bag would be a good idea. Once in plastic, I don't see how anything could ever rust or corrode.

Here in Southern California I have literally pulled gearboxes from people's side yards after 15-20 years of sitting outdoors and they still work perfectly, even overdrive units. But our weather is quite fair most of the time. Unless you live by the beach of course, and then even plastic rusts. ;)
Steve Simmons

Steve, in the Midwest it is the drastic temp changes with the corresponding condensation that causes the problems. Regards, Tom
tom peterson

You can clean the gearbox so no residue is present and spray everything inside with Sharkhide, rotating the gears as you go. It's not just for aluminum as most people think. It's just advertised a lot in the marine industry. PJ



Paul sr

This thread was discussed between 22/11/2013 and 23/11/2013

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