Alfa v6 - Diff output shaft

[Sando]

Hi all
On the Fiat / Lancia / Alfa 164 V6 Gearbox, what sort of side to side play have you got on the short diff output shaft ? (ie not the cross shaft)

I thought I had a problem with mine as it does have movement of a good few mm of what I would consider as being unnaceptable play. However I've read on one of the 164 forums that this is usual????? :confused: . I had a check on a couple of other cars at the weekend which both had some play, perhaps not as much as I've found, but it was there all the same.

There isn't any oil leak at the moment so should I leave it alone???? :confused:

So, Two questions.
How much play do you have ?

And also how much oil do you run in your diff? The short dipstick in mine would indicate it needs to be almost full of oil, which again would not be what I'd usually expect.

Thanks
Rob :)

[CorseChris]

Small amount of play (1-2mm??), no oil leak.

Oil quantity was taken from the book and was about 2l IIRC...but I can check. Matched the dipstick marks as well.

I must have misunderstood you yesterday - I got the impression it was really bad, but if it isn't leaking, I think I'd leave it alone.

The drive flange is dead easy to remove if need be, just clear the driveshaft out the way, get a couple of levers behind the flange and gently ease it out.

[David May]

I was alarmed at the play on my rebuilt box but it appears quite normal! 2L of oil brings mine right to the top of the stick - any more and it expands enough to pump out when very hot (yes - I tried it and it cost me a black flag!)

[Sando]

Thanks guys :)

That's quite reassuring then. I'll add a bit more oil now too ;)
I've found out why it doesn't make it leak now as well.
The seal is around the diff itself and the shaft as you say just pushes into the diff unit with a spring ring retainer. Mine must be just a bit worn.

As you can tell I've not had one of these diffs apart yet!
Atlas, English, Powerlok even Opel I understand, but frontwheel drive was never my thing :rolleyes:

Thanks again
Rob

[Swamprat33]

Ahh. Thats the problem Rob.
It is not a front wheel drive setup. The engine and gearbox are supposed to be in the back. :p

[guy mayers]

Unless Rob is planning the bi-motore route with 4wd? :eek: Ever see the Trevi version with two VX engines and boxes? Weird! :p
Guy

[Martin K]

I was alarmed at the play on my rebuilt box but it appears quite normal! 2L of oil brings mine right to the top of the stick - any more and it expands enough to pump out when very hot (yes - I tried it and it cost me a black flag!)

The gearbox design is very similar to the 2WD delta and Thema box and they are known to blow oil out when used on a track. It is a good idea to fit a small expansion/catch tank (via the gearbox breather) higher than the top of the gearbox so that the gearbox can breath, a little oil can be blown out, but also the oil will drain back into the box. We use -6 hose.

Martin

[David May]

Thanks Martin, that's confirmed my suspicions. I now keep the level just at the top of the stick and all seems well, although I would go for a catch tank if I was doing much serious track work.

[chris.richard]

It is a good idea to fit a small expansion/catch tank (via the gearbox breather)

Where's that about?