Thanks to all for the information. I had figured most of it out but hoped
there might be a better way.
-----Original Message-----
From Peter C. [mailto:nosimport at mailbag.com]
Sent: Friday, April 25, 2003 9:36 AM
To: Fred W. Johnson; midget
Subject: Re: shocks
At 04:36 PM 4/24/2003, Fred W. Johnson wrote:
>I have looked thought books and I do not see how to determine if there is
>enough oil in the shocks or even what the best way to check is. Especially
>the rear shocks. So I need advice for a 79 1500 midget.
>Fred.
====
Fred,
Usually folks don't bother to check the level, except to
occasionally bounce the car to see if the bounces are dampened to just one
rebound, or so. If you notice any oil around the shocks, usually emanating
from the shaft area, then they need topping up (or replacing). If they are
low on oil, they have leaked. There can be no other reason.
To check/add oil, each shock has a filler plug which, like a
differential or transmission fill plug, is at a level where when filling,
too much runs out, and not enough hasn't run out yet.
The front shock fill plugs on all years is located on the top
little turret shaped bit most easily accessed from the wheel well (without
wheel in place) and facing rearwards. The rear, on post 64 semi-elliptic
sprung cars, is on the body of the shock slightly above the arm on the
rearward side conveniently located so access is blocked by the arm should
you have jacked the car up by the axle. (On earlier cars, the plug is on
the lid, facing upwards, and is accessible on Bugeyes through a plug in the
boot. On SWAs, your going to have to work hard at it, or remove the shock.)
Both plugs can be rounded off with a 9/16" open end wrench, so be careful.
We find a 13mm lightly filed open is better. Best is the proper 1/4"
Whitworth size.
As long as I'm in dissertation mode, you can use the special snake
oils marketed by Moss, Armstrong, et.al. Or you can use special snake fork
oils marketed by various motorcycle shops and manufacturers. Or you can use
straight 20W motor oil, or hydraulic jack oil.
I think that should help. Hope you were taking notes;-)
Peter C. (this and more at a tech session at SpriteSpree03)
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