Andrew - here's what I do, others will more than likely do something else
:-) - Bob
----- Original Message -----
From: "Andrew Frink" <drewfrink@mac.com>
To: "triumphs" <triumphs@autox.team.net>
Sent: Sunday, August 14, 2005 11:35 AM
Subject: Tools and fluids
> I've enjoyed a few short drives, but now it's time to get serious about
> maintenance. I've got a couple of questions on tools and fluids:
>
> 1. I need a grease gun. What should I look for?
I got a relatively cheap one handed squeeze grease gun, available most
anywhere, takes a 6 inch cartridge and it works fine for everything on the
TR3A.
>
> 2. I've got Joe's square drain plug tool, but was wondering if there is a
> socket available for these square plugs. I was taught to use a torque
> wrench on drain plugs, so a socket to fit would be nice.
An 8 point socket can be had at Sears or another fine hardware store near
you. My drain plug on the engine got pretty buggered up and pretty tightly
set, but I was able to get a good grip on it with one of those "grip
anything" sockets that has a bunch of spring loaded rods inside a approx. 1"
socket - actually had more trouble getting it to let go than to grab.
Anyway, I replaced teh drain plug with on of those magnetic ones from TRF
that has a standard bolt head on it.
>
> 3. I need some sort of oil pump/filler for transmission and rear end.
You can get exactly that at most parts stores - I got one at Kragen for
about $5. They also work well for large bottles of that syrup the wife likes
to flavor her coffee - but I would advise against using the same one that
you used to fill the trans. :-)
> Any recommendations?
>
> 4. Any other special/maintenance tools nice? I've seen SU carb tool
> kits--are these worthwhile?
The little wrenches are handy for adjusting the mixture nuts and the rods
are a good substitute for a 7/16 inch drill for setting the floats. If the
price is worth it to you for those applications, then I guess it is
worthwhile.
>
> My last set of questions is about fluids.
>
> 1. Engine? The shop manual lists all sorts of options.
>
I used 20w/50 Castrol GTX cause they sold it at COSTCO until Randall
reported that it tends to form a film on the pressure relief valve so I
switched to Valvoline and now I get a new hat with each case.
> 2. Gearbox (OD) -- Done some reading here, and 30wt non-detergent seems
> to be a decent choice here. Rear end fluid?
If you did enough reading you would have come to the conclusion that you
could use anything, or nothing. I finally settled on Valvoline 40wt low
sudsing racing oil for now, next year I will probably switch it out for
Redline MTL, I think it's called. My OD and trans was sitting around for a
numer of years and needs a few flusinhings which gets pretty expensive at $8
a quart. I use regular gear oil in my rear end.
>
> 3. SU dashpots -- engine oil? Motorcycle fork oil? I've seen thoughts on
> both.
30 wt non-detergent - your milage may vary.
>
> 4. Once I get a grease gun, I need grease. Types?
You may be limited depending on the grease gun you get.
>
> Is there a good site that already lists all of this?
This one, but searching the archives is a bit tricky.
>
> Thanks in advance for the help. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with
> this project, so have decided to start with basics of oil/fluid changes,
> greasing, and such.
>
> -Drew
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