83 MC9 blower site gauge and oil level

[plyonsMC9]

Good evening bus folk,

We're in Utah with our MC9 and may be having an issue with the blower oil level.  Before leaving on this trip from arizona I was having trouble seeing the oil level.  Normally I can see the dark oil behind the gauge.  I always keep the gauge clean so I can check the level as part of my pre trip check.  But I did add a good amount of oil (1 qt) before leaving. Never had to add that much.  Thought I could see the level before leaving but now beginning to doubt. Usually don't need to add much oil to the blower.  using 30 wt per spec.

Upon arriving in Utah I saw oil splotches around the normally clean engine (seriously).  Looked like coming from the blower area.   I cleaned up the oil so I could determine where to look for the source of the leak(s), then ran the engine but not a drop was seen.  Going on a short 30 mile drive tomorrow and will check again.


One other note is that while topping off the oil I was using a mirror and periodically checking to see whether I could see oil through the filler tube, but did not.  Also, finger in the tube, I can't feel any.  I was going to try to suction the overflow out but my suction tube can't reach the oil level, so maybe not overfilled, which is what I initially thought was the problem.

Are there any words of wisdom or suggestions on what to look for?  A bit baffled.

Thank you!
Kind regards, Phil

[buswarrior]

Those sight glasses get to the point, it doesn't show you anything, and you over-fill, and then it pukes it out, and you add more oil and it pukes it out, and then you start repairing things that weren't broken...

First thing i would do is get into the sight glass, inspect and clean. Replace if you can't get it to show clearly. And happily, with it off, you are looking at the oil level.

Yes, blower gears and their oil level are a pain...

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[hogi6123]

To find out the true oil level, you can insert a clean stick or screwdriver into the fill hole, note how far it was inserted, pull it out, the oil level should be obvious on the stick.  Then hold it next to the gearbox to compare.

[plyonsMC9]

Thanks very much gentlemen, great advice. 

I would much rather climb on the bumper and check the oil than replace seals.  Will also explore taking out, cleaning the gauge. 

Kind regards, Phil

[plyonsMC9]

Ok, I have been schooled pretty good.  I used a plastic cable tie to make a flexible dip stick since I didn't have a screwdriver the right size to go down the neck past the "ring".  Level was high, so I fashioned a set of adapters for my too large suction pump and extracted the overage.  Maybe 1/2 quart?  So thankful to you guys chiming in on this.  I'm swearing off the site gauge until I can clean it and verify it.  Or just forget about the gauge and stick to my "dip stick.

Thanks again, Phil

[hogi6123]