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Humber Super Snipe auto transmission questions
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giles



Joined: 11 Jan 2009
Posts: 34

PostPosted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 9:49 pm    Post subject: Humber Super Snipe auto transmission questions Reply with quote

I have a 1962 Humber Super Snipe with automatic transmission.

It seems to be leaking transmission fluid. So, first, the manual says to use BP Energol Type "A" ATF.

What is a modern equivalent spec. for this car - does anyone know?

I've read some stuff saying Dexron II or Dexron III is fine, and now you say not to use this type.

I'm amazed I cannot find a big chart or web site giving the "equivalences" of one brand of fluid to another......

My car seems to be leaking the stuff and was really low and there was a funny smell when I took it to a local garage today. He wasn't sure what to use, put a minimum quantity of Dexron III equivalent in so I could drive it home.

Another article I read on this transmission says they are very prone to fluid leaks. Is this the experience of other Super Snipe owners? Any solutions?

Thanks in advance for any input on this.
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Dirty Habit



Joined: 26 Mar 2008
Posts: 398
Location: West Midlands, UK

PostPosted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 10:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I would see if B.P. have a technical helpline and give them a call. I have done that with old companies that are still around and found them helpful.
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Phil - Nottingham



Joined: 01 Jan 2008
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Location: Nottingham

PostPosted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 10:43 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Which make of gearbox has it got - if it is a Borg Warner Type DG or the later BW 35 then non-Dexron ATF is essential also to Ford spec. I use Comma AQF

If its a GM Hrydramatic then any Dexron type ATF can be used. Comma due one AQM

http://www.commaoil.com/

I have used their standard green 20/50 for years - now also do Classic ranges - prices are far more compettive although you have to get them mainly from Motor Factors

BTW - leaking fluid on the heavy DG box is caused by ageing gaskets & seals - the oil level is absolutley critical and running low by only one pint will ruin it!
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giles



Joined: 11 Jan 2009
Posts: 34

PostPosted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 11:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Dirty Habit wrote:
I would see if B.P. have a technical helpline and give them a call. I have done that with old companies that are still around and found them helpful.


Looks like I might have to try this.

It seems to me that most general ATF types available in shops are backwards compatible to older, simpler transmissions.

The only thing I am aware of is that there was a divergence between the "general" (actually GM's "Dexron") types and the "Type F" used on Ford and some other models.

Any definitive knowledge from other Humber owners would be nice!
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Phil - Nottingham



Joined: 01 Jan 2008
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Location: Nottingham

PostPosted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 11:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quite so and using the wrong one will do no good at all even though they look the same. The name of the gearbox should be on a label on the side or in the handbook. Rootes did use use BW products in the mid 1960' onwards eg the Sceptre Arrow had a BW 35 box

This site indicates that is indeed the old BW DG box as used in Jags/Rovers of the period. I have one in Rover P5 3 Litre It an very good box have a direct drive top gear to save petrol. It is also very smooth although acceleration may be somewhat leisurely

http://www.geocities.com/humbersupersnipe111/#3

I would recomend you join the PVHCC which specialises in post vintage Humbers right up the the Sceptre Mk3
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peppiB



Joined: 30 Jun 2008
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Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

PostPosted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 8:52 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I used to have an Imperial. The autobox leaked fluid like mad. There is a seal in the box which is prone to failure apparently, thus causing the leak. The box, which is very very heavy, has to come out and be stripped to change it. I entrusted mine to a specialist auto gearbox place - it cost me £450 for removal, repair and replacement. No leaks in the short while I had the car after that. Had to sell the thing - it was a limo with glass screen and bench seat in the front, which was not adjustable and obviously made for a very thin chauffeur. My rotund figure wouldn't fit comfortably behind the wheel Shocked Can't remember the grade of fluid I used to use, though. I went through loads of it until I had the repair done.
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Phil - Nottingham



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PostPosted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I thought that Imperial used the later BW35 box so it is non-Dexron as well - it is much cheaper to recon and they do leak less as fewer exits the biggedst being teh main torque coverter/front pump seal in the bellhousing - what year was it - 1965?
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peppiB



Joined: 30 Jun 2008
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 9:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Phil - Nottingham wrote:
I thought that Imperial used the later BW35 box so it is non-Dexron as well - it is much cheaper to recon and they do leak less as fewer exits the biggedst being teh main torque coverter/front pump seal in the bellhousing - what year was it - 1965?


Yup - 65
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giles



Joined: 11 Jan 2009
Posts: 34

PostPosted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 1:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

My car says on the plate under the bonnet and in the handbook to use "Shell Donax T6 automatic transmission fluid".

So I called Shell and asked them what the modern equivalent was, and they said Shell Donax TA, which is the same as Dexron II.

So that's it, I suppose.

Thanks for the info from various people.
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