how do you fill transmission?

[bobinmaine 0]

Hi, Just picked up a 1977 b80 8speed. pulled transmission dip stick (under seat) and very low. I noticed what appears to be fill plug on lower left. Is this to fill or to drain?  Do  you fill thru dipstick opening? Any idea on type of lube is best  and how much it holds? Figure I might as well drain and refill at this point. Totally new to Wheel Horse but always loved looks  of b80, finally  got one  and don't want to wreck it. Any helpful info, tips  and  things I should look  for much appreciated.

 

[953 nut 55,860]

      The attached manual will give you all the information you are looking for. As the oil level is low and you can't be sure how fresh it is I would suggest draining it and replacing with fresh gear oil (90 wt.). The drain plug is flush with the bottom of the trans and uses an allen wrench, jack up the front of the tractor to be sure it drains completely. The dip stick tube is the fill tube;  if you put a wire or screwdriver along side the funnel to provide a vent path while filling it will go in better. Hope this helps.

 

[SylvanLakeWH 25,979]

[AMC RULES 37,134]

Can also remove a bolt or two from the trans top to vent it. 

[Ed Kennell 38,703]

to the   Bob.          Good advice above from Richard and Craig.  

  I would also remove the  plug that you refer to on the lower left, and fill till the oil shows at the hole.

[JC 1965 1,530]

Welcome to  

[rmaynard 15,610]

In my opinion, if you fill through the plug on the side, or use that as your gauge, you will be too low on oil. To prove this, I filled a completely dry 8-speed with the recommended 2 quarts of oil, then removed the side plug and quite a lot of oil ran out.

Best method I have found is to fill through the dip stick tube or shifter hole (with shifter removed)  using a venting method, until you reach the full mark on the dipstick. Filling through the shifter hole is faster, and it allows you to vent through the dip stick tube. It also reminds you to replace your shifter boot.

[oliver2-44 9,874]

Before you drain it add a pint or quart of diesel to the oil and drive around a little (or put it on blocks and run it). When you drain it lift the front end up to get the oil to drain over the hump on the bottom center of the transmission.