Thread: um, yikes

additional question. I've read that there is actually a drain on the oil filter bracket somewhere.
I've made a huge mess both times I've changed the oil, and it seems that every person before me has as well.

This pic is taken from underneath (need to clean off some more of the built up grime). Which of there bolts is the drain?

Originally Posted by Chris078

Am I missing a giant piece out of my gearbox?!

That recess is to allow the inspection plate (normally) to easily be prised off the main gearbox case. Or in your case the winch PTO.

Also, that little plastic inline fuel filter. I'm assuming it's behind the smaller bolt on the left of this picture. How on earth do you get it off?

With a stubby ratcheting spanner and great difficulty

And lastly. Am I blind and only just noticed that the engine slants downwards, or has something changed?

I can't say I've noticed a 4BD1 slanting, but they probably do.

Originally Posted by Chris078

This pic is taken from underneath (need to clean off some more of the built up grime). Which of there bolts is the drain?

The larger one of the two between the four that hold the filter housing to the block.

Thanks Dervish!
That cutout nearly gave me a heart attack! it so looks like a piece of the rim has snapped off.
I noticed the engine after seeing that cutout. I think I was on alert for anything and thought the angle might have something to do with why the gearbox was seemingly broken.
Definitely going to be using that oil drain next time. It's like a sadistic engineer designed that filter housing to create maximum mess if you don't know about that drain; it appears that no one does.

Rhetorical question: Why couldn't they put the oil sump drain on the other side so you don't soak the front universal/differential in oil if you unwind the plug too far and it comes out before a majority of the oil has drained?

<edit> As I'm on a roll for asking questions, and another thread just reminded me; How much oil should be coming out of the Crank case vent hose? Mine has enough that it coats the 'drag arm below it. It doesn't drip as fair as I can tell, but there is definitely some oily air coming out of it!

Originally Posted by Chris078

Rhetorical question: Why couldn't they put the oil sump drain on the other side so you don't soak the front universal/differential in oil if you unwind the plug too far and it comes out before a majority of the oil has drained?

Pro tip: Get a 3 litre milk bottle, turn it upside down and cut the entire base out and a swooping cut out of the sides to fit the sump. Like this:

Originally Posted by Dervish

Pro tip: Get a 3 litre milk bottle, turn it upside down and cut the entire base out and a swooping cut out of the sides to fit the sump. Like this:

you're link isn't working, but I get the idea. Great tip.

Last question (for today I promise) Just how much play is acceptable in the driveshafts?
But hand I can't move the rear at all, the front however, I can probably turn about 2cm at least before it locks up. Is that normal or a sign of some wear?

Interesting your post doesn't bring up the right image for me.



Works now.

Originally Posted by Chris078

you're link isn't working, but I get the idea. Great tip.

Last question (for today I promise) Just how much play is acceptable in the driveshafts?
But hand I can't move the rear at all, the front however, I can probably turn about 2cm at least before it locks up. Is that normal or a sign of some wear?

That sounds like slop in the centre diff Chris. 2 cm is not too bad but it would be advisable to check the shims in the centre diff.

Originally Posted by Bearman

That sounds like slop in the centre diff Chris. 2 cm is not too bad but it would be advisable to check the shims in the centre diff.

Thanks Bearman.
I'm learning a lot about this car, but that sounds like more than my mechanical skill/knowledge can handle. It's going to the mechanic tomorrow for new rear suspension bushes, I'll ask him about it then.

<edit> just had a thought: The reason I couldn't budge the rear shaft was because the handbrake was on!