Mk3 Cavalier/Vectra A 1.8 C18NZ, 66 kW gearbox oil change

Post queries regarding your Mk3 Cavalier's mechanical components (engine, transmission, turbochargers etc.) here
Post Reply
opvest
Posts: 7
Joined: Mon Apr 27, 2015 8:53 pm

Mk3 Cavalier/Vectra A 1.8 C18NZ, 66 kW gearbox oil change

Post by opvest »

Hi,

As i understand I'm supposed to remove this
Image
in order to get the oil out of the gearbox. And after removing the oil pan is there something else i need to do in order to change the gearbox oil?

But where are the fill-up holes and the oil level check nut located at?
At my best guess the fill-up hole is under the plastic cover, circled in green/yellow.
Image
Image

Is there a oil level check nut/bolt somewhere on these pictures?
Image
Image

And what oil is correct for the gearbox? 75W-90 or 80W-90?
Thank you in advance.
colin1
Registered user
Posts: 310
Joined: Sun Jul 12, 2015 10:31 pm
Location: Oakdale, S Wales

Re: Mk3 Cavalier/Vectra A 1.8 C18NZ, 66 kW gearbox oil chang

Post by colin1 »

That's the differential cover plate and that's the only thing you need to remove.
You will need to have on hand a replacement gasket for the gearbox in question and I would recommend a tube of Dirko Red as a gasket sealant.

The fill-up point is the nut you've identified with the nylon cover over it.
There isn't a oil level check, you will have to rely on filling with the correct amount of gearbox oil. Typically, this is 1.6 litres but I'd check with your Haynes on that.

I use Comma semi-synth SL75W-90 - excellent stuff. I rate Comma lubricants (and other products) very highly.

Edit: when replacing the turret filler bolt, don't be tempted to overtighten it, the turret is a cast item and you can break a lump off the threaded port. Don't ask me how I know that.
93K C20XE Cavalier SRi Hatchback Spectral Blue Metallic
94M X20XEV Cavalier SRi Hatchback Flame Red

96N C14NZ Corsa B 4-dr Flame Red'ish
Desy221
Posts: 9
Joined: Wed Nov 29, 2017 10:19 am

Re: Mk3 Cavalier/Vectra A 1.8 C18NZ, 66 kW gearbox oil chang

Post by Desy221 »

So much useful information. I am very glad that I joined you!
Microsoft Corporation customer service phone number
User avatar
Robsey
Club Admin
Posts: 10569
Joined: Fri Dec 12, 2008 1:42 pm
Location: East Manchester

Re: Mk3 Cavalier/Vectra A 1.8 C18NZ, 66 kW gearbox oil chang

Post by Robsey »

As a point of interest -
Colin reports that there is no oil level plug.
This is only strictly true for 1994 onward gearboxes... so most notably F18 boxes as used regularly with C18NZ engines.
Typical eh?
(I cannot advise about F28)

BUT - F13, F16 and F20 boxes do have a level plug.
If you look at where the inner CV joint enters the box on the engine side (near the gear box rear mount on F16 and F20)
there is a ring of 5 bolts around the hole that the shaft joint enters the box... then there is one further bolt down and back from this ring.
That is your level plug bolt.
When correct, oil should be level with the bottom of this bolt hole.

F13 is similar, but there is no rear mount near the plug, so I presume it is forward and down from the cv inner joint orifice.

Information is care of Mr Haynes.
Post Reply