Bulkhead Workshop › Land Rover models › Land Rover Series I 1.6 / 2.0 petrol › Workshop guide › Check gearbox, transfer & axle oil levels

Land Rover Series I 1.6 / 2.0 petrol: check gearbox, transfer & axle oil levels

Transmission · Series I (1948–58) · 1948–1958

How often: every 6,000 mi or 6 months, whichever comes first. A Series drivetrain can lose oil slowly from every seal. Running low wears gears quickly.

Main gearbox	90W or 85W-90 GL-4, ≈1.4 L (1½ US qt). Avoid GL-5: its additives attack the bronze bushes
Transfer box	90W or 85W-90 GL-4, ≈2.6 L (2¾ US qt)
Differentials	90W or 85W-90 GL-4: Rover type ≈1.7 L (1¾ US qt) each; Salisbury rear ≈2.8 L (3 US qt); ENV rear ≈1.2 L, front ≈1.6 L

Work safely: support the vehicle on axle stands, never a jack alone; let it cool first. Check figures against your workshop manual. You do this work at your own risk.

Parts

EP90 gear oil top-up

Tools

Spanners
Oil pump

Step by step

Park level. Remove the level plugs on the gearbox, transfer box, and front and rear differentials in turn.
Oil should reach the bottom of each level hole. Top up as needed.
Note any box that needs a lot of oil; find the leak (output seals, gasket, breather).

More Land Rover Series I 1.6 / 2.0 petrol servicing

Engine oil & filter change every 3,000 mi or 6 months
Clean oil-bath air cleaner every 6,000 mi or year
Points, plugs & ignition timing every 6,000 mi or year
Check & adjust valve clearances every 12,000 mi or year
Carburettor & fuel pump service every 6,000 mi or year
Fan / auxiliary belt check every 6,000 mi or year
Coolant drain, flush & refill every 2 yrs
Grease propshafts & nipples every 3,000 mi or 6 months
Check swivel housing oil & seals every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Change swivel housing oil every 12,000 mi or year
Change gearbox & transfer box oil every 12,000 mi or year
Change front & rear axle oil every 12,000 mi or year
Steering box, relay & joints check every 6,000 mi or year
Adjust drum brakes & handbrake every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Inspect brake shoes, cylinders & hoses every 12,000 mi or year
Brake & clutch fluid change every 2 yrs
Leaf springs, U-bolts & shackles every 12,000 mi or year
Wheel bearing play check every 12,000 mi or year
Chassis & bulkhead inspection, rust-proofing every year
Annual safety inspection every year
Monthly walk-round checks every month

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