gear box lube

[SteveS]

I have learned once again that it is best to buy stuff already fixed up than to buy and fix it yourself.
After several days of grinding cutting and welding I am down to checking the lube in the gear box of a Ford series 908 model 22-127A 5' mower. Does anyone know what kind of lube? It does not smell to me like regular gear lube. Also I can't see how to check the level. It appears to be about half full now.

 

[souNdguy]

Many gear boxes have a fill port, and a check port about half way down.

Without knowing exactly what lube a gearbox takes on an old piece of equipment.. it's usually safe to stick in a good 85/140 lube... if it is a bit worn and chattery.. shoot about 10 shots of grease gun grease in it, then fill to proper level with 85/140 oil.

Id seals are mostly shot and ya need it 'now'.. pump er pretty full of grease gun grease then add a few ounces of gear oil... or use jd cornhead 'flowable' grease..

-OR-

you can get the manual and use a lube they specified 'X' years ago...

soundguy

 

[SteveS]

I can only find a fill and a drain. I guess since there is some in it and the seals do not leak I'll run it as is (if the snow melts) 'til I get to a Ford dealer.

 

[souNdguy]

Where is the drain plug, at a base?

Check the oil with a white probe.. if there is evidence of emulsion.. pour some mineral spirits or diesel in there, and then drain the oil, and refill... generic clean gear lube will be better than 'xx' year old emulsified oil.

soundguy

 

[souNdguy]

I just leafed thru a bunch of ford manual.. and anything from 90w gear oil and up is reccomended..

I'm pretty sure any modern gear oil you grab and stick in will be JUST FINE, base don the age of the machine, and what they had for lube back then..

soundguy

 

[SteveS]

I just changed it. There was no moisture. Used gear lube with a touch of STP. Thanks for your thoughts.