C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Changing Differential Oil...

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Old Mar 21, 2009 | 08:34 PM
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Default Changing Differential Oil...

'86 L98, D36. I want to change the gear oil in the rear end before the drag strip opens back up.

Instead of dropping the differential to drain it, I was hoping to use my vacuum oil changer I use for the boat. Planned on going in through the oil level screw and sucking it dry. Anybody done this before?
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Old Mar 21, 2009 | 08:42 PM
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I know people have recommended sucking it out, I personally just drilled a hole in the bottom and tapped it then plugged it. The vacuum method should work though. Just make sure you get the hose as low as it can go to get as much of the old oil out as you can.
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Old Mar 21, 2009 | 08:51 PM
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I had to believe it'd been thought of before. Looks like I'll do that this week, before I hang the new exhaust.
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Old Mar 21, 2009 | 09:24 PM
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Sucking the old fluid out is the best way. Unless you are sure where to drill, it can be a big "Oh S***!" if you drill in the wrong place .

The accessory catalogs used to carry a kit to install a drain plug and came with a template to show exactly where to drill. Don't know if they are still offered, but you can get 95% of the old fluid out even by using one of the Harbor Freight $5 hand pumps. And you use the same pump to put the new fluid in along with the GM additive.
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Old Mar 21, 2009 | 09:25 PM
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Originally Posted by c4cruiser
Sucking the old fluid out is the best way. Unless you are sure where to drill, it can be a big "Oh S***!" if you drill in the wrong place .
I briefly thought about drilling and tapping. That lasted about 2 seconds. I know my luck.
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Old Mar 21, 2009 | 10:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Corvette Chris
I briefly thought about drilling and tapping. That lasted about 2 seconds. I know my luck.
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Old Mar 21, 2009 | 10:49 PM
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Bill from ZFDoc says not to drill it as most will eventually leak even if it's done right because of the material the housing is made of.
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Old Mar 22, 2009 | 11:19 AM
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Simply pump it out with a hand pump, switch the hoses around and pump the new lube in.
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Old Mar 23, 2009 | 11:32 AM
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I used a fluid pump I got from Harbor Freight Tools. It attaches to a 1/4 inch drill. Similar to the ones they carry in the J.C. Whitney Catalogs. Works well and it's reversible, too.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/Auto-Parts/...FQETGgodXWjN5g
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