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custom90

Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 20795

MT82 6spd gearbox oil change

I am just posting this if anyone goes to do their MT82 6Speed gearbox oil change on the;
2.4 OR 2.2 Puma. (2007 - 2016).
As it might be useful info. (In addition to guides already posted).

Both filler and drain on the MT82 is 35NM

Qty of Oil is 2.2 Litres *precisely* for ALL Puma models with the MT82.

There is some conflicting info on this.
After a bit of researching and on good authority I have confirmed that 2.2lite of oil is for all TDCi’s with the MT82 & also 35NM for the drain is safer, and suitable.

The conflicting info is on here in places that suggest that 2.4L of oil is to go in a 2.2 Puma trans. And this is NOT correct, and also LR seems to state 50NM for the drain, which I think is over the top, I think that 35NM for filler and drain is a lot better, and also 35NM for both filler and drain is stated on other MT82 WSM diagrams such as for the Mustang.

The casing of the MT82 and LT230, gearbox and transfer box housing, is alloy, so over tightening is a big risk well worth avoiding.
It’s also worth installing the plugs just by hand first to ensure threads are engaged and no risk of cross threading, and regards thread sealant / sealer you can use just a wrap or two of PTFE tape on the plug threads that have been lightly cleaned of previous sealants, or you can use Hylomar blue which is a non setting thread sealant.
If can you should try and keep the first couple of threads clear on the plug, so it’s easier and safer to refit the plug to engage the first few threads.

I’ve always used PTFE tape with good results, but you can get a little debris with that.
This time I’ve gone for the Blue Hylomar, a small amount plus, I had magnetic plugs I’ve fitted which already had it on when it comes to the LT230 and Diffs, and with the MT82 I intend to fit Mag Xeng plugs too, so magnetic plugs on filler and drain all round.

It seems that the LT230 had a mag drain from the factory only, not the filler and the diffs had no msg plugs in filler or drain. The MT82 does have a magnet inside, but mag filler agd drain plugs are a useful addition.
The Xeng mag filler and drain is a hex socket 13mm.

The factory fitted MT82 filler and drain plugs, at least on mine are 8mm male hex key.
So a H8 male hex key to 3/8” socket drive is ideal, not too long, you can probably get 1/2” as well.
What do you all use?

I found for the transfer box filler I needed 1/2” torque wrench, 1/2” extension bars, and also 3/8” extension bars and ratchet was useful too, along with a 1/2” male square drive to 3/8” female to go on the end of the 3/8” extension. To just help take bring in the LT230 filler, before getting the 1/2” torque wrench on it directly which I found was safer and parallel to the threads rather than from tightening with an extension bar to final torque at a slight angle.

I hope some of this info might be useful as you can then prep some of the tools ready to go. _\Hennessey|Venom| F5/___
___\⭐️Lone|Star|State/___
____\We|Will|Win/___
____/🇬🇧🇺🇸\____
_//*⛽️🛢️⚙️🧰*\\_

6th Jan 2025 6:00pm

macfrank

Member Since: 05 Nov 2015
Location: somewhere in the north
Posts: 1111

2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 SW Keswick Green

Can confirm 35Nm on MT82 drain plug is ok with a copper washer (workshop did that; I don‘t think there was a washer from factory).

7th Jan 2025 10:59pm

Ianh

Member Since: 17 Sep 2018
Location: Essex
Posts: 2310

Could you elaborate more on the statement ”After a bit of researching and on good authority I have confirmed that 2.2lite of oil is for all TDCi’s ” please.

I ask as in the owners handbook for the 2.2 it does state 2.4Litres on refill and when I drained the oil from the MT82 on my 2013 2.2 Puma I measured exactly 2.4Litres. Noting that I can guarantee that it was the very first time the oil had been replaced since it rolled off the production line.

Ps Not trying to start an argument, just trying to get to the definitive answer.

PPS I don’t expect an extra 200ml of oil will be detrimental to the gearbox, so it’s more about my OCD than any engineering concerns on my part.

Click image to enlarge

7th Jan 2025 11:44pm

Zed

Member Since: 07 Oct 2017
Location: In the woods
Posts: 3355

2010 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Santorini Black

Interestingly the MT82 in the Ford Mustang takes 2.7 quarts which equates to 2.55 litres in English.
I’ve always used 2.2l in my 2.4. Never bothered with exact torque, you can feel when it’s tightened correctly.
Anyone know what is recommended in the Transit? WARNING.
This post may contain sarcasm.

8th Jan 2025 1:37am

andy63

Member Since: 30 Jun 2023
Location: north east
Posts: 719

When i first bought my 2.2tdci 110 I did a full service..all the oils..
I had the box filled to the level plug ..because that's what I'd been used to doing ..
I can't remember how long i drove it around like that before reading a post most probably on here pointing me in right direction..
It was certainly for months and I can't recall any issues ..but I did drain and refill to the correct quantity eventually..😳🤣

8th Jan 2025 9:52am

MK

Member Since: 28 Aug 2008
Location: Santiago
Posts: 2469

2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 SW Chawton White

I can say all MT82 gearboxes on Defenders from 2007 up to the end are identical, except a minor change in the rod shifts mechanism, all located at the top of the internals.

Did JLR change their mids from 2.2 to 2.4 liters refill capacity because they thought it would be beneficial for the gearbox overall? I doubt it.

Mustangs and other vehicles using MT82 gearboxes have different casings and different gear ratios. MT82 is kind of a generic designation.

Early posts on this forum suggested that refilling with 2.4 liters may lead to overheat or issues by blowing input or output seals. Not my words though. Puma 110" SW

.............................................................
Earth first. Other planets later

8th Jan 2025 12:03pm

custom90

Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 20795

I had asked Dave @ Ashcroft Transmissions who agreed that 35NM for the drain was more sensible than 50NM.
And also, I asked about the 2.2 vs 2.4litre debate for the MT82 that was on here, and Dave said that it was 2.2Litre for all MT82 Transmissions.
So if LR did put anything different, I’m satisfied 2.2Litres for all MT82 Gearboxes is ideal.

I think it just got slightly confused due to the similar wording regards engine size.

So it is 2.2Litre Oil Capacity for ALL 2007 - 2016 Puma Defender MT82 6spd Gearboxes.

Dave knows his stuff, on balance, I was likely to go for 2.2litre qty anyway, but like some of you I was curious about it all and if LR did something else, but, as Dave is a Transmissions Expert I believe he is right.
Which was why I thought I would ask.
With the LT230 I just filled to filler, just like the Diffs which is basically the qty stated anyway.
But as most of you know the MT82 should be measured precisely.

Regards oils, I’ve gone Castrol throughout using this link:
https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingd...p;id=47682
(If you can find the same as I see, you can see service fill is listed as 2.2Litre).

Oil brand etc is personal choice, I was using Fuchs before which was good, but I do like the Castrol which I have now.
I have mine fully serviced almost now, I just have the MT82 actually to do imminently.

Hopefully the info stated is useful.

In the Castrol link, 2.4Litres is stated as dry fill, so that would be first fill from the factory, then the subsequent changes after that all 2.2litre which makes a lot of sense, probably so that when fist filled the level is that bit higher to cover the components that are not at the lowest point, after that, 2.2 litre is fine on-going.
Perhaps the only other exception might be if the MT82 was removed and drained completely and stored, then it perhaps would lead to needing a dry fill.

But 2.2Litre is the service fill, 99% of the time this is the go to.

_\Hennessey|Venom| F5/___
___\⭐️Lone|Star|State/___
____\We|Will|Win/___
____/🇬🇧🇺🇸\____
_//*⛽️🛢️⚙️🧰*\\_

8th Jan 2025 9:31pm

crs013

Member Since: 14 Dec 2023
Location: Canada
Posts: 9

2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Cairns Blue

Click image to enlarge
For those of us in North America reading this thread: Redline makes a fantastic GL4 spec in the 75w90 called MT90

30th Apr 2025 4:35am

HardCharger

Member Since: 03 Mar 2013
Location: Manila
Posts: 761

2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 SW Stornoway Grey

Thanks for the heads up on this, crs013!

This is much more available here locally than the Castrol offerings for some reason. Also, importing oil here has now more paperwork and complications so if you can get it locally, the better!

No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy

30th Apr 2025 5:30am

crs013

Member Since: 14 Dec 2023
Location: Canada
Posts: 9

Hopefully you're able to get Motul in the phillipines? Love using them for Axle/ Engine oil. Though i will be switching over to Amsoil

Click image to enlarge

30th Apr 2025 7:43am

Ianh

Member Since: 17 Sep 2018
Location: Essex
Posts: 2310

custom90 wrote:
I had asked Dave @ Ashcroft Transmissions who agreed that 35NM for the drain was more sensible than 50NM.
And also, I asked about the 2.2 vs 2.4litre debate for the MT82 that was on here, and Dave said that it was 2.2Litre for all MT82 Transmissions.
So if LR did put anything different, I’m satisfied 2.2Litres for all MT82 Gearboxes is ideal.

I think it just got slightly confused due to the similar wording regards engine size.

So it is 2.2Litre Oil Capacity for ALL 2007 - 2016 Puma Defender MT82 6spd Gearboxes.

Dave knows his stuff, on balance, I was likely to go for 2.2litre qty anyway, but like some of you I was curious about it all and if LR did something else, but, as Dave is a Transmissions Expert I believe he is right.
Which was why I thought I would ask.
With the LT230 I just filled to filler, just like the Diffs which is basically the qty stated anyway.
But as most of you know the MT82 should be measured precisely.

Regards oils, I’ve gone Castrol throughout using this link:
https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingd...p;id=47682
(If you can find the same as I see, you can see service fill is listed as 2.2Litre).

Oil brand etc is personal choice, I was using Fuchs before which was good, but I do like the Castrol which I have now.
I have mine fully serviced almost now, I just have the MT82 actually to do imminently.

Hopefully the info stated is useful.

In the Castrol link, 2.4Litres is stated as dry fill, so that would be first fill from the factory, then the subsequent changes after that all 2.2litre which makes a lot of sense, probably so that when fist filled the level is that bit higher to cover the components that are not at the lowest point, after that, 2.2 litre is fine on-going.
Perhaps the only other exception might be if the MT82 was removed and drained completely and stored, then it perhaps would lead to needing a dry fill.

But 2.2Litre is the service fill, 99% of the time this is the go to.

Thanks for all your efforts on the research

And Dave Ashcroft is certainly an expert in this area. However it’s still odd that when I drained the oil from my 2013 2.2 MT82, and it was the very first time since it left the production line, I measured exactly 2.4 Litres ! Which is exactly the amount stated in the 2.2 manual as the refill quality.

I would endeavour to clarify with with JLR, however I don’t expect they would have any interest in providing a quality thought through and researched answer, or anyone left with the skill to investigate

30th Apr 2025 10:45am

steveww

Member Since: 05 Jan 2022
Location: Malton
Posts: 592

2015 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Bronze Green

Good advice on the drain plug torque, I've updated my service notes.

Additionally the service manual suggest a very long interval between gearbox oil changes. I prefer to it more frequently. Same goes for the transfer box and diffs too.

30th Apr 2025 2:14pm

custom90

Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 20795

The oils in mine were not too bad, I tend to find it’s the diffs that get black and sludgy faster, much faster.
So I think the service schedule LR have is about right, except I tend to go for a basic service every 2yrs, inc brake and clutch fluid, and a full every 4 yrs.
So basic, full, basic, full etc every 2 yrs.

Air filter gets clogged quick too, it can pay to change that every year, but personally sometimes I just hoover it off just the once, as you get all sorts in there in the air box, so pays to clean it every year anyway.
Either put it back, or replace, but ever 2 yrs it’s best to replace anyway.

Wasps, and all sorts ending up in there is common, plus contaminating the incoming element of the filter.
If you have a pre cleaner, then that’s less of an issue, but all still needs maintenance.

I am using 100% Genuine LR service parts, and Castrol oils now, both aren’t cheap but trouble free and runs really well.

I think old diff oil certainly can cause quite a bit of a drop in MPG as well.
Gets thickened and sludgy.

Since I’ve done the servicing myself, I’ve had no leaks and no issues, running just right so I’m pleased with that.
It certainly is an ideal time to fit Magnetic fill / drain plugs pre servicing too.

The only mag one I want now is engine oil pan next time I do that.
Is there one type anyone uses?
Currently just got the standard genuine engine oil pan plug. _\Hennessey|Venom| F5/___
___\⭐️Lone|Star|State/___
____\We|Will|Win/___
____/🇬🇧🇺🇸\____
_//*⛽️🛢️⚙️🧰*\\_

30th Apr 2025 4:10pm

Ianh

Member Since: 17 Sep 2018
Location: Essex
Posts: 2310

4x4 Xcess do a good Puma engine sump magnetic drain plug. They also do a full range of magnetic plugs for gearbox , transfer box, and diffs . They do a complete kit if needed.

https://www.megasquirt-v8.co.uk/diff_offroad.php

30th Apr 2025 4:45pm

Dinnu

Member Since: 24 Dec 2019
Location: Lija
Posts: 3542

2012 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 CSW Santorini Black

You do not overfill a gearbox because more oil = more drag = more heat generated = more breakdown of the oil.
But would less than 10% more oil really matter? I doubt. 1988 90 Hard Top, 19J Diesel Turbo, Shire Blue - Restoration ongoing
2012 90 CSW, 2.2TDCI, Santorini Black

30th Apr 2025 5:11pm

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