![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif)
I have recently aquired a 1990 JCB 3cx 4x4 turbo backhoe (grey cab, project 7 I think?) for our self build project which is my first piece of plant machinery.
Serial No. 352847
I have done a bit of restoration to get her looking more like new and protected from the winter elements but would just like a bit of info on the correct fluids to use please.
This version has a manual gearbox/clutch with the forward/reverse stalk which I think you call the shuttle reverser.
I have already changed the engine oil, filter, two fuel filters and hydraulic filter but would like to drop the gearbox oil which I think is the same oil which flows into the torque converter? This I am sure is drained seperately via a small drain plug ?
I am waiting for new water hoses to arrive and will change these with the coolant. Would you reccommend putting a scale cleaner through first or could this cause more problems do you think? Any tips on changing the collant would be much appreciated.
I also need to change the seals in the two top front bucket rams as they leak quite bad but the 56mm (I think from memory) nut seems incredibly tight! Just to confirm if it is a normal, not reverse thread? Are they thread locked? Is a 90cm (140mm jaws) pipe wrench suitable for removal of these type of nuts (if flat jaws were made to stop any damage to the actual nuts)?
I will then change most of the hydraulic oil (empty reservoir) so again any expert tips greatly appreciated!
I would also like to change the front axel, hub torque converters and rear axel oil.
The manual reccommends 18lt + of JCB special transmission fluid for the transmission for machines from 320000 but no specs/cross reference, any idea what is the best choice apart from the jcb oil as I am in rural France
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
I have tried to determine which fluid is in the gearbox just by unscrewing slightly the drain plug and it seems to be red ATF Dexron (orange/red colour on a white rag, distinctive smell) but I know this may not necessarily be right and have heard online lots of people say the dexron is not good for jcb machines, others say it does not matter?? This is the reason for asking on this forum.
The manual also recommends JCB HD90 GEAR OIL for the front axel and JCB SPECIAL GEAR OIL for the rear?
My neighbour also has a more recent 3cx and he noticed the other day that there was lots of water in I think what you call the Slew after unscewing a bolt in the center under the slew actuator? Is it standard procedure to drain off this water(condensation? Rain entering the to of the kingpin?) every now and then or should this not even be there? Does the slew use the same hydraulic all as the rest of the system?
Sorry for all the questions but hope somebody can give me a bit of advice. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance, Matt