Jubilee gearbox oil?

Welcome to lightweight ownership!  The three oils are separate, engine is fed by the oil tank, gearbox Is filled from the inspection cover, if it is a late gearbox it has a level screw, if it’s an earlier one you have to keep it topped up correctly otherwise the layshaft my run dry and the bush spin in the housing - this can ruin an engine! Nothing to stop you putting a level screw in an early box.  The primary side is filled separately and also has a level screw. I’d advise getting a Norton, or club manual, it will help no end!  

Richard,

You say you have a 1961 Jubilee so that is definitely an early gearbox. (always assuming a post-1963 engine replacement has not taken place)

The gearbox casing screw to the left of the kickstart shaft is the level screw. There should be a fibre washer under the head of this screw, and only this screw, on the gearbox.

You can see in the photo how this screw position is relieved so that oil will flow past the gasket and out the screw hole at correct fill level.

Peter

Peter

I didn’t know the cover screw was designed as a level screw, certainly my early engine doesn’t have a fibre washer. I just fill it to the bottom of the inspection cover! Never too late to learn! 

Richard

There is no dipstick in the oil tank I just make sure that the oil is between 1 and 2 inches below the filler, (once the engine has been run for a few minutes) my finger is my dipstick! You could drain and refill with the recommended oil volume and make a dipstick I guess. 

The best way to know if you have an early or later engine is to look at the engine number, if it’s after 106838 it’s a late type, if it’s before it’s an early type. 

Early gearboxes take 1.75 pints, late type take 2.25 pints. 

Engine is 3.5 pints (early or late) 

Primary chain case is 1/3 pint. 

Dan 

I am with you on this Dan, I use the middle finger into the oil tank on the Electra, if it touches oil-go for a ride-if it doesn't go for the oil can. I also worked out why the side stand was so fitted (originally) to let the bike lean far to the left such that it was easier to get the oil into the oil tank! If the side stand is 'normal' then of course getting oil into the tank is a problem, you need a cardboard 'shute' ie funnel, awkward.

Hello Richard,

The drain plug is hidden away at the rear side of the gearbox, see picture.

David

Engine oil. Book says SAE40 in Summer & SAE30 in Winter. I use a cheap multigrade 20-50 and change it often. Fit an aftermarket oil filter (NOC Spares have them). It fits in the return line (not ideal), but its better than nothing.

Gearbox oil. Book says SAE50. I use standard Gear Oil Hypoid 80/90. (Gear Oil numbers differ from engine oil!)

Primary Chaincase. Book says "engine oil". There was an idea some time back that ATF20 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) was the one to use - as it was quite runny & lubed the chain nicely. I find that its very slippery & not good for the clutch. So I just use the same 20-50 as in my engine.