differential oil level

[seniorchristo]

After rebuilding my spare differential, refilling with oil only took only 26 ounces for oil to come out the fill level hole. Lotus states capacity at 2.4 US pints which is approximately 38 1/2 ounces. Any ideas?
Thanks
Chris

[pharriso]

Was it at the correct "horizontal" attitude, or were just the rear wheels in the air? mind you I would expect it to take more if nose down...

[seniorchristo]

Hi Phil
I had it level on the workbench when filling with oil. Thanks

[Craven]

Did the same filled on bench, definitely less than stated in workshop manual.

[elanner]

Did the same filled on bench, definitely less than stated in workshop manual.

+1

The values in the manual for the diff, gearbox and coolant seem to be mere approximations. In the US I assume a quart for both the gearbox and diff. Then, because they haven't overflowed, I rush out to buy another quart only to discover that a mere splash is enough to fill them.

Fortunately they inevitably leak profusely so you get to use the extra eventually!

Nick

[oldelanman]

Looks like Lotus may have used the oil capacity of the diff quoted by Ford .. ignoring the fact that the Lotus housing is somewhat smaller than the Ford axle it came from.

Escort Twin Cam Workshop Manual

[seniorchristo]

Oldelanman
Yes, now it makes sense, thanks