question Ferret - Water in Bevel Box

[Starfire]

Hi,

 

I was checking the fluids on my Ferret, prior to an event on Saturday, and when I opened the filler on the rear right bevel box, oil started running out. This is unusual, as it normally needs a slight topup. Looking at the oil, I noted that it was a milky yellow colour, rather than the clear yellow with a slight tinge of green that it normally goes in with, and can only summise that it has been contaminated with water.

 

About 200mL of oil came out the filler and I dumped the rest out of the drain plug and refilled it with fresh oil. I'll dump and refill it again after Saturday's event.

 

I have been known to hose out my engine bay from time to time, and I suppose that's where the water came from, but does anyone have any ideas how it could have made its way into the bevel box? I understood the running gear to be sealed, but I guess that the rubbers are all pretty old, or is there a breather or something that may be faulty?

 

Cheers,

Terry

[njjeeper]

There is a vent on the top of each bevel box inside the hull. Its there so that as pressure builds within the box from heat, it can vent out rather than push oil past the seals. My guess is your vent is stuck open or is missing on that BB.

[robin craig]

Yes,

 

exactly like the man said, vent is open or missing. stupidly simple reliable bit of kit that is often painted closed and knackers the bevel box as a result. Here is a picture of it.

[Starfire]

Thanks guys,

 

I'll check it out.

 

Cheers,

Terry