General Chat
Q:
Drove 350 miles to the Hotel in Sand Springs Oklahoma today. I took the Z and a friend drove my Toyota Starlet (RWD).
300 miles into the trip the starlet started making a loud noise from the back, like a washing machine out of balance. 50 miles later we get to the hotel. Rear differential was leaking oil.
Looked like it was leaking from a drain plug. I have all my tools with me but I don't have a socket big enough for it.
I didn't bring rear differential fluid with me, but I have a case of 20W50 motor oil. Can I use that in the differential? How do I fill the diffy? Is there a filler cap of some kind on the top?
I'm in BFE Oklahoma until Sunday. Need to figure out how to fix this before I have to drive back home.
Anyone in Tulsa know of a place (hopefully open on weekends?) I can take the car to get the Differential gasket/seal replaced if it is busted?
BTW, the noise it made was intermittant, and all the oil that leaked out seeped all the way to the right rear wheel. I seem to think now that the noise was coming from the wheel because of the oil that was seeping in around it (inside the car it sounded like the noise came from the back right). I haven't checked it out yet, but mebbie there's still oil in the Diffy.
How long can you drive a diffy without oil and what happens to it? Seize up?
Gotta weigh my options here.
If it's a slow leak I might be able to fill it up, drive 100 miles, pull over and add more, drive 100 miles, etc
1980 280ZX, now with L28ET and Megasquirt 'n Spark Extra
Pallnet Fuel Rail, KYB Gas-A-djust Shocks, Advan A048 Tires
ACT Clutch Disc & Pressure Plate, Steel Braided Brake Lines
Post Edited (Sep 16, 3:49am)
A:
it's probably a GL-5 75-90...or maybe an 80-90 weight. could be synthetic.
gear lubricant is usually pretty thick. and if it smells really bad...then it's probably GL-4.
basically you fill it though the check plug. probably a 24mm plug on the side or back of the diffy. fill it until it starts barely leaking out of the hole.
but if its coming from the plug chances are the gasket is gone. I know Jiffy Lube will replace that for you for free probably if they aren't busy.
as far as i know 20-50 won't work, but it might be enough to hold it until you get the right stuff in there. but don't quote me on that.
1975 280z
High School senior project
Daniel D.
A:
"How long can you drive a diffy without oil and what happens to it? Seize up?"
I drove my VW Bus about 30K miles after the oil drained out of it till it started popping out of gear......
Autozone is open on weekends. Buy 140 wt Sta-Lube differential fluid, and a pump.
Fill it, drive it till it's low. Fill it again. You can make your trip that way.
Next time, remember to bring a 15, 18 or 24" Crescent wrench. People say "what the hell do you ned that for?"
My answer: "Ask Chaoticmass what he would have given to have one on his last road trip!!!"
You never know when a big hex will need attention, and a Crescent wrench makes more sense than a full set of sockets to 2 3/8"!!!
20-50 will be about as effective as urinating in the differential to refill it. No hypoid, no protection. May as well just light it on fire.
People Are Idiots, Just look around here and you will see!
Tony D: "Knowledgeable but Caustic"... rationull
My brother from another mother calls himself "Willie D"
Post Edited (Sep 16, 5:20pm)
A:
yep i never go anywhere without a big crescent , it doubles as a pry bar ,hammer, cheater bar on wrench and rachet ends,fit any size bolt . a very versitile tool!
____________________________________
1980 280ZX coupe
2001 maxima
1994 F150 4x4 van works custom truck
170000 and never needed mech repairs
1996 ford explorer -they cant all be good
A:
Well, I didn't make it up to Hallett for lack of $$$, but if you are passing through OKC on your way back tomorrow and need a place to stop or need some tools to do any work, call me before you get to Edmond (405 641-1586) and I'll help you out.
1978 280Z Turbo MS
1981 280ZXT - scrapyard
A:
Most parts stores are open on Sunday here. Give a shout if I can help. Don't know if I've got a 24 mm, but I do have a big "adjustable socket" crescent wrench in the garage. I'm about 15 minutes away from Sand Springs.
PS. BFE is about 300 miles south of here!
Jim
JR in Tulsa (4EVER Z)
73 240Z - L28, Triple Miks, 5 speed, 3.9.
83 stock 280ZX
Chaos, panic, and disorder---my work here is done!
Post Edited (Sep 17, 8:32am)
A:
there are some 24HR autozones in T-town as well. I'll come up to edmond from norman to help if needed!
My guardian angel has twin turbos. . .
1995 Cobalt Green NA
1988 Maroon 300ZX NA (sold)
A:
To fill the diff buy the bottles of gear oil with the cone shaped end, get 2ft of fuel hose that will fit over most of the cone. Cut the tip off of the cone, put the hose over the end and squeeze the bottle. It will take a couple of minutes to fill the diff.
Dexter 260ZT Weee Weeeeeeeeeeee
Rebuilt 280zx engine, n/a efi, added t-3 turbo to n/a engine, n/a intake, turbo injectors, n/a afm, 83 5spd, 3.90 diff, new front end, new seat vinyl, carpet, console, 240z black diamond hatch vinyl.
A:
Thanks for the info guys. I ended up towing the car home because the Z started having problems too. I'll post the full story in another thread... it's pretty crazy.
1980 280ZX, now with L28ET and Megasquirt 'n Spark Extra
Pallnet Fuel Rail, KYB Gas-A-djust Shocks, Advan A048 Tires
ACT Clutch Disc & Pressure Plate, Steel Braided Brake Lines