The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts spicer 3 spd aux trans fills with water

Hey all

I cant seem to figure out why my spicer 3 spd aux trans gets water in the oil. Ive had it rebuilt, but its rained a few days, and when I checked it the other day the oil was really milky.

I wasnt expecting it to get water in it just sitting in the rain.

any wisdom would be most appreciated.

The only place that I can think of where it could take on water is at the shift tower. Is the shift tower possibly located where water drains off of the cab or a cross member? Make sure there are not any bolts left out. It could be something silly like that. Other than that, there shouldn't be any place for a divorced unit to take on water.

on this transmission, the shift levers come out the front of the trans, the levers are parallel to the ground, and go forward to a shifter mounted beneath the cab.
There is a plate on the top of the trans, in the spirit of a ford top loader, where the gears get inserted.

Those shift rods in the top cover don't usually have seals, so if water drips on them it could wick inside. Or if yours has seals they may be worn.

If the shaft seals are worn you should have an oil mess, so probably not them, and same with the top cover gasket.

The speedometer drive cable is another possibility for water to get in. Is your hooked up and sound?

Grigg

funny you should mention speedometer cable.
when I got my trans rebuilt, the speedometer didnt work anymore.
upon further inspection, the worm gear is missing off the back of the trans.
And they lost it.

Anybody have a magic wand? perhaps you can conjur up a speedometer worm gear for a watson 46 brownie box. I have no idea how Im gonna get one of these.

Back to the water, I did have the seals changed on the shifter rods, I was guessing that perhaps it came from the vent. That vent sits at the top of the trans, and isnt exactly what you call water tight.

I'd have some "words" about that speedometer drive gear.

If the vent leaks replace it, its a common part, what pipe size is it?

Are your input and output seals good?

I got a rear tandem cut-off for my International in trade from a guy. He drove the truck in I believe, but when I got it I ended up having to rebuild the inter-axle differential because the input seal was bad and I figure it got rain in it over the years as it sat. I ended up having to put a sleeve on the input yolk.

I second Grigg on "having words" with them. They had better find it or give you a majority of your money back.

Tad

yes, the issue of rebuilding it and loosing a part is being discussed.
however they dont have the gear.

so if anybody has a parts source for the missing gear, i would be eternally grateful.
http://talk.classicparts.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2375&d=1217837953
part #13 in the diagram
its a watson 46

sealed bearings is a great idea.
and if you have a speedo gear, i would be extremely grateful.