Sorry LX4 gearbox check plug replaced.

RalphVa · May 22, 2005

As part of the 50 hour service, I decided that I should check the oil level in my LX4. I could put in a series of several curse words here to describe the miserable, tiny, soft-metaled plug that they installed up next to a protrusion in the gear box. Finally got the little devil out. Replaced it with a fine-threaded bolt. Attached is a picture.

They could save money by eliminating the top plug, another miserable soft-metalled thing and use the money to put in a decent check plug. They could use the top vent for oil replenishment. It's the only thing of quality among the 3 screw-ins there.

I sent my dealer an e-mail with the attached picture.

Ralph

N9PDL · May 26, 2005

That's just a vent, is it not? I have an old rotary cutter (BMB brand) that I refurbished and I'm thinking about ordering one of those to put on it so that it doesn't blow out any more seals when it gets hot. Is that a 1/2" vent?

Thanks.

RalphVa · May 27, 2005

The vent hole is only about 1/4", maybe 5/16". I'd overfilled a tiny bit before my last mowing because I couldn't quickly open that check hole nor the fille hole. Just squirted some oil into the vent hole. It got a little oil spray around the top of the gearbox below the vent.

My point to the dealer is that they should eliminate the fill plug, make the vent hole the same size and improve the check hole plug, maybe make it a bolt like I've put in.

You definitely need a vent. Think all automotive differentials have vents.

Ralph

Kyle_in_Tex · May 27, 2005

I'm not for sure but those might be pipe tap tapered threads. Most check plugs are. Use a bit of teflon tape and don't overtighten.

beenthere · May 27, 2005

A problem with the square-head steel plugs is that most people over-tighten them. The don't need to be much more than finger tightened. And yes, they are pipe threads, so are tapered. I suspect that is why they are used in the cast iron.

The 'box' shown has a vent tube on top, a fill plug (½" npt)alongside it, and a check plug (¼" npt) on the side (now with a bolt in it which may work - time will tell).

I agree with the difficulty of getting a wrench on the ¼" pipe plug square head, but is where a small adj. wrench comes in handy.

If one doesn't have the vent on top, leaving the fill plug just finger tight should do the same thing (and no, I don't think it will fall out /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif ).