How to clean the inside of a transmission

Engines, Transmissions & Final Drive questions and answers

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tescoking
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How to clean the inside of a transmission

Postby tescoking » Mon Apr 28, 2014 9:20 pm

I know this question may be strange but I really want to know how to clean the inside of a transmission. I have searched on internet and they said diesel can clean the inside of the transmission. But I am not sure is that safe to do it. Someone you might ask why did I want to do it. Its because my mechanic told me that (from last time accidentally removed the wrong bolt) some gears are damaged, and a bit metal chips are in the transmission. So I would like to clean the inside of the transmission without dissemble it, if any of you know how to do it please let me know. Thanks~
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Re: How to clean the inside of a transmission

Postby MrRevhead » Mon Apr 28, 2014 9:31 pm

A few more frequent oil changes (maybe a couple of times in 5k km intervals - while doing an engine oil change) and a strong magnetic drain plug will be the safest method.

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Re: How to clean the inside of a transmission

Postby Okibi » Mon Apr 28, 2014 9:50 pm

Pretty sure the plug on the gearbox is magnetic.

I guess you could add bonus magnets if you're paranoid.
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Re: How to clean the inside of a transmission

Postby tescoking » Tue Apr 29, 2014 12:24 am

so, should I use diesel to flush the gearbox and push all the "rubbish" out?
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Re: How to clean the inside of a transmission

Postby greenMachine » Tue Apr 29, 2014 8:26 am

Are you saying that your 'mechanic' put the gearbox together with metal debris still inside it? If this is the case, he is not a mechanic, he is an imitation mechanic. But that does not solve your problem, and I have no particular advice on flushing gearboxes.

If he says that the gearbox has damaged teeth/rings, then the magnetic drain plug should pick up some/most of the metal chips generated since the box was opened. I would change the gearbox oil more frequently, but I doubt that there is much more you can do realistically, other than having it properly rebuilt (replacing the damaged bits) or getting another box.

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Re: How to clean the inside of a transmission

Postby Mr Morlock » Tue Apr 29, 2014 10:53 am

what you are asking is for a flushing agent for the gearbox. I would either ask a transmission specialist or check with an oil co info line or go to someone like an oil and associated products distributor. I would think there is a flushing agent available.

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Re: How to clean the inside of a transmission

Postby 22Silver » Tue Apr 29, 2014 11:18 am

I helped my mechanic clean the inside of the bell, and we used petrol squirty bottles.
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Re: How to clean the inside of a transmission

Postby Regie » Tue Apr 29, 2014 1:22 pm

your "Mechanic" <---- (used loosly) should have cleaned it when he had it apart fixing his stuff up pulling the wrong plug :roll: :shock:
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Re: How to clean the inside of a transmission

Postby tescoking » Tue Apr 29, 2014 1:22 pm

greenMachine wrote:Are you saying that your 'mechanic' put the gearbox together with metal debris still inside it? If this is the case, he is not a mechanic, he is an imitation mechanic. But that does not solve your problem, and I have no particular advice on flushing gearboxes.

If he says that the gearbox has damaged teeth/rings, then the magnetic drain plug should pick up some/most of the metal chips generated since the box was opened. I would change the gearbox oil more frequently, but I doubt that there is much more you can do realistically, other than having it properly rebuilt (replacing the damaged bits) or getting another box.

:mrgreen:


He took out most of the chips, but I know the gears might created more after a few events in the past few months. So I want to clean them out.
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Re: How to clean the inside of a transmission

Postby project.r.racing » Tue Apr 29, 2014 2:01 pm

time to get a new gearbox. if he left chips in there. then the damage is already done.

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Re: How to clean the inside of a transmission

Postby tescoking » Tue Apr 29, 2014 2:42 pm

Is new 6 speed cheaper or get it rebuild cheaper?
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Re: How to clean the inside of a transmission

Postby Trackphotos » Tue Apr 29, 2014 5:06 pm

Looks like $1100 for a second hand 6 speed box. Ask around for quotes, I wouldn't expect a rebuild to be much less, if any at all. The parts have to come from somewhere.
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Re: How to clean the inside of a transmission

Postby corners » Tue Apr 29, 2014 5:08 pm

Have you actually had this said problem gearbox assessed by a transmission specialist?
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Re: How to clean the inside of a transmission

Postby MrRevhead » Tue Apr 29, 2014 5:36 pm

1) Is your transmission making any noises or showing signs of wear?

2) Or are you just trying to have the peace of mind of making sure all metal shavings are out of your gearbox?

If 1, consider a 2nd hand gearbox or rebuild (whatever is more financially appealing). Especially considering your daily dríven, relatively stock car won't put excessive stress on the gearbox.

If 2, as I mentioned before, do a few more frequent gearbox oil changes and monitor the cleanliness of the oil over time. There will always be a small amount of shavings when changing your gearbox oil. I would only be concerned if you see larger pieces of metal, or chunks.

On another note, due to the incompetence of the mechanic previously, he should be rebuilding/offering a replacement or at the least, inspect/clean the gearbox, especially if he is aware (he notified you) of the severity of any damage that may have been done to the box as a result of his/her actions.
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Re: How to clean the inside of a transmission

Postby Trackphotos » Tue Apr 29, 2014 5:53 pm

MrRevhead wrote:On another note, due to the incompetence of the mechanic previously, he should be rebuilding/offering a replacement or at the least, inspect/clean the gearbox, especially if he is aware (he notified you) of the severity of any damage that may have been done to the box as a result of his/her actions.


Wait, this is the same place that removed the link bolt instead of the drain plug? Dude should be demanding a new box. They attempted routine maintenance, did it wrong, caused damage. I get that mistakes happen, especially with apprentices etc, but by the sound of the previous thread, they insisted on refitting the link bolt without actually dismantling the box for some reason. Blindly jabbing metal bits into other metal bits, and finding metal shavings in the oil? Who would have guessed?! Plus the time of original post, to the post stating it had been fixed, was NINE DAYS. They could have done a full box strip and fix the problem in a day if they actually cared about getting it sorted.

Get compensated Tesco. Your time, and now your money, have been wasted. Personally I would be requesting a replacement box supplied by them, to be fitted by somebody else at your own cost. You won't get far expecting them to pay for someone else to do a job they think they can do themselves, but I wouldn't let them work on it again.
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