HC 1256 gearbox drain and fill plugs

[perrinsohc]

Long time owner first time poster.

I have an HC 1256 having some maintenance done by a third party (stuck overseas due to covid) and was having some difficulty using the Gates manual locating the fill and drain plugs on the gearbox. The third party is actually just my dad and wanted to make some clear instructions on how to do it, so would love if someone could help me out, I just couldn't make any sense of where the locations are based on the manual.

Just need to know where to drain the oil, and where to fill.

Cheers!

Perrin

[droopsnoot]

Do they have a drain plug? The OHC gearbox doesn't, as far as I recall.

[hbr341]

Hi
No drain plug on the viva gearbox just a fill to level plug looking from the front of the car its on the right hand side of the box and from memory its 3/8th alan key type on the later vivas.

Regards Chris.

[perrinsohc]

Thanks for the replies. Fill plug location sorted

I guess it’s a silly question then, but how does one remove the old oil without a drain? Out the tail shaft hole?

[droopsnoot]

Indeed - remove the prop and jack the front of the car up would be one way. Again on OHC, and you have to be prepared for the deluge, but removing the bottom cover of the gearbox is another way. Only trouble then is you have to try to seal it again when you put it back. I guess the idea was that it was filled for life and just needed topping up, but they probably didn't imagine the cars would have this kind of lifespan.

[perrinsohc]

Thank you for that explanation certainly solved the mystery. You make a good point, top up’s only and not exactly designed for the DIY market 40-50 years later.

Perrin