Metal in transmission oil

[vforge]

i was checking the transmission fluid level on my m38a1 and discovered the oil has metal particles inside. They look to be brass/bronze. I’ve never changed the oil in it, only had it for a few months. Previous owner had transmission rebuilt. Did someone use the wrong gear oil, nor yellow metal safe, or is this from break in.

Used a endoscope I have to see inside the transmission. I drained the old oil out and will refill. Any other recommendations?

 

[Canadianz]

That is almost certainly from using a gear oil that is non-yellow metal friendly. I would flush it out and refill with a good quality gl4 or gl1 then see how it shifts. If the synchros are still functioning and it doesn’t clash gears, then don’t worry, and carry on.
Unfortunately you can’t easily tell if the synchros are damaged too badly just by looking at them from the outside. That does look like a significant amount of metal in your oil though. At the very least, parts are readily available and the gear boxes are simple designs. All part of the experience of having an old MV.

 

[vforge]

That is almost certainly from using a gear oil that is non-yellow metal friendly. I would flush it out and refill with a good quality gl4 or gl1 then see how it shifts. If the synchros are still functioning and it doesn’t clash gears, then don’t worry, and carry on.
Unfortunately you can’t easily tell if the synchros are damaged too badly just by looking at them from the outside. That does look like a significant amount of metal in your oil though. At the very least, parts are readily available and the gear boxes are simple designs. All part of the experience of having an old MV.

Refilled with GL1 90w. I’m going to change it again to make sure its all flushed out. It does shift fine. Only issues with it sometimes not wanting to go into first or reverse but just have to let off the clutch and press down again. It also occasionally leaves a puddle underneath it.

I’m sending a sample of the old oil to Blackstone. Previous owner had the transmission professionally rebuilt. Can’t imagine they’d make that mistake.

 

[Canadianz]

Well you never know, but things do get overlooked. If the box is newly rebuilt and leaking, I would wonder a bit about the quality of work that was done. Small leaks can be a part of owning an old Jeep… but they don’t have to be.

First and reverse can be touchy as they are non synchro, and generally only go in at a dead stop. 2-3 will let you know if the rings are damaged by either clashing, or jumping out of second gear. If there’s none of that, I wouldn’t worry.

 

[vforge]

Well you never know, but things do get overlooked. If the box is newly rebuilt and leaking, I would wonder a bit about the quality of work that was done. Small leaks can be a part of owning an old Jeep… but they don’t have to be.

First and reverse can be touchy as they are non synchro, and generally only go in at a dead stop. 2-3 will let you know if the rings are damaged by either clashing, or jumping out of second gear. If there’s none of that, I wouldn’t worry.

I called a very reputable jeep expert about it. He said it could be junk import synchronizer blocking rings. Just going to flush it again and drive it till it gives me issues.