Spicer 4 Speed dumb question???

P-Bod · January 12, 2021, 02:16:45 PM

Newbie here and first post. I have looked and looked and cannot find a clear answer...

Obviously the lowest plug is the drain. The one that came out was a nice long drain plug with 3 magnets separated by springs. It was a bit more elaborate than expected.

The middle plug didn't want to come out.

We filled the specified 2 gallons through the top, large plug that did not seem to be a good level indicator, but was good for filling.

So, is it safe to assume the middle plug will indicate the proper fill level?

Just finished a 1,200 mile trip and didn't break anything. Hoping to continue learning before the next trip!

Thanks!

richard5933 · January 12, 2021, 03:38:09 PM

Welcome!

What kind of bus are we talking about?

If it's a GM, there should be a dipstick. I assume that MCI does as well but can't say for sure.

Be really helpful for you to add some basic information to your signature so we'll know what you're working on.

P-Bod · January 12, 2021, 04:30:48 PM

Thanks for responding. I do have "'73 Eagle 05 in my signature." Not sure if that's enough?

But, it's a 1973, Silver Eagle Model 05. Serial #9039. It is close to original build with an 8v71 and a Spicer 4 Speed.

I have read about those with a dipstick, but I sure can't find one anywhere. The picture in my original post is from a Spicer service book I found on EBay thinking I would get my answer...no such luck. The Spicer book has the same pictures as the Eagle 05 manuals I have purchased from Phoenix and BCM. Nothing says, "fill" or "level" etc. That picture is exactly what is in this Eagle 05.

richard5933 · January 12, 2021, 05:06:09 PM

Ok, now that you point it out I see your bus down below. Not sure why I missed it before.

Hopefully one of the Eagle gurus will chime in here and help you out.

DoubleEagle · January 12, 2021, 07:38:28 PM

Your transmission should be a Spicer 210-24 Series Model 8844A, with a 8 qt oil capacity (40 weight motor oil). The lower plug is the drain (referred to as a G3 in diagrams), and is likely a 3/4" pipe thread, torqued to 45-55 ft lbs. The fill plug is probably a 1 1/4" pipe thread (referred to as G2 in diagrams) torqued to 60-75 ft. lbs. No dipstick, and I don't recall a level plug (but it's been 25 years since I serviced a Spicer), and I don't see any reference to it in any of my manuals from that period. You should be okay at this point. Failing getting the (maybe) level plug out, work your finger in the fill hole to see if you can reach oil, or feed in a tube or wire to find the level.

luvrbus · January 12, 2021, 08:14:40 PM

Quote from: DoubleEagle on January 12, 2021, 07:38:28 PM
Your transmission should be a Spicer 210-24 Series Model 8844A, with a 8 qt oil capacity (40 weight motor oil). The lower plug is the drain (referred to as a G3 in diagrams), and is likely a 3/4" pipe thread, torqued to 45-55 ft lbs. The fill plug is probably a 1 1/4" pipe thread (referred to as G2 in diagrams) torqued to 60-75 ft. lbs. No dipstick, and I don't recall a level plug (but it's been 25 years since I serviced a Spicer), and I don't see any reference to it in any of my manuals from that period. You should be okay at this point. Failing getting the (maybe) level plug out, work your finger in the fill hole to see if you can reach oil, or feed in a tube or wire to find the level.

There no level plug fill it till runs out lol wait till you check the drop box those are fun to fill

P-Bod · January 13, 2021, 01:13:59 PM

Thanks all for your insight!

About 2 gallons came out which was definitely gear oil by smell. 2 gallons 40WT engine oil went back in, but was difficult to get a read of the final level from the large upper plug where we filled from. 1200 mile trip with no problems other than a few clumsy downshifts that got much better as we went.

The middle mystery plug will definitely come out next time.

For what it's worth, attached is a picture of the magnetic drain plug. Look familiar to anyone? Is this a common plug?

DoubleEagle · January 13, 2021, 06:14:26 PM

The middle plug is probably for some other function, so it falls into the category "if it's not broke,don't fix it". If Cliff and I both think there is no fill level plug, and the manuals do not show it, then the odds are you are fooling with something else. The extra long drain plug is to catch all that metal that is being ground off from sloppy shifting.