Snowdog Reverse Gear Box - Oil Information
This article contains information regarding oil for Reverse Gearbox for Snowdog 13HP Standard and Compact models.
The MER (Reverse Gearbox kit) can be ordered pre-installed on any 13HP Standard Snowdog or on it's own to retrofit any13HP Standard or Compact unit. All MER kits come pre-filled with 3.38 oz (100ml) of SAE 5W30 Engine oil, which is suitable for most driving conditions in Canada.
It is important to check your Gearbox oil on a regular basis.
What type of oil should be used?
A synthetic engine oil 5W30 is used by the manufacturer. This oil type is suitable idea for ambient temperatures of 14° F (-10°C) or lower. The manual does indicate other options based on ambient temperature, but we use the factory-supplied Synthetic 5W30 in our reverse kit gearboxes. If you use your machine in the summer months, then a higher viscosity oil would be a good idea.
Note there are some reports of oil leaks in the Snowdog reverse gear box.
There are two main factors that cause oil leaks in the reverse gearbox:
- Improper oil viscosity - In most cases, the use of oil with a proper viscosity suitable to the ambient temperature completely solves the problem of oil leakage.
- Exceeding the acceptable maximum oil level - The Gearbox requires only a small amount of oil. The gearbox should contain from 2.37 fl. oz. (70 ml) to 3.38 fl. oz. (100 ml) of oil. If the oil amount is less than 2.37 fl. oz. (70 ml) the increased wear of gears may occur. Oil amount over 3.38 fl. oz. (100 ml) causes leakage through the seals.
Due to the nature of the gearbox construction, it is virtually impossible to remove all of the oil from the gearbox without disassembling it. When pumping out the oil with an oil pump, even with a thin tube, it's likely that about 0.68 fl. oz. (20 ml) will remain in the gearbox. Therefore, during the oil change, be sure to add no more than 2.7 fl. oz. (80 ml).
