So, how do you ACTUALLY change the supercharger oil?

[Eye8Pussies]

I've tried searching everywhere, but all I keep on finding ar threads about where to get the superchrager oil kit, but nothing on how to actually do the change.

As well, is there any difference between the first made superchargers and the later made superchargers? How do you even tell which one is which? I picked mine up used.

And, do you have to take off the supercharger to change the oil? I haven't even seen the kit to see what comes with it and to see what the drain plug replacement looks like so I can start looking for the original drainplug on my s/c. I hope it's not the big brass one under the supercharger, because if it is, I suppose I'd have to take the blower off for it.

Or is it the small allen key one by the pulley shaft outlet?

Somebody please help!

[---CAMRAZY---]

I dont think anyone here has actually physically done it, I believe everyone takes them to a shop to get serviced before installing a used one.

[PDX SuperSolara]

Wrong. Lots of people here have changed their S/C oil. I have changed the oil in my own supercharger as well as many others that I have rebuilt. The only proper way to do it is to remove it from the motor because the plug is low on the end of the gear housing and I would guess is for all practical purposes impossible to fill to the right level without removing the S/C first.

I recommend replacing the mineral oil based fluid with a high quality synthetic gear oil such as Lucas or Redline. This you will find quiets down the "rattle" the gears make quite a bit.

The fluid level should only be 1/2 way up the chamber when filled. Just tip the S/C so the oil filler hole is half way up and fill to the bottom. The screw in plug can be re-used.

[---CAMRAZY---]

^^ LOL, like I said, people take it to a shop.... and YOU sir, are THE shop........

[CASTRO]

I ordered my TRD supercharger oil change kit and the instructions are included. The manual/installation documentation looks just like the one that came with the suprercharger. It includes that inside hockey-puck looking thing as well as sealant, oil, and a new plug. bought mine for 20 bucks

[PDX SuperSolara]

That inside "hockey puck" looking thing is the coupler and it is a really good idea to replace it with a new one if you have one since that is the #1 thing that goes out. But if you are going to go so far as to unbolt the end cover to get to that, take out the rotors too, clean out the rotor housing and check the two bearings on the far end. Those get greased only when someone goes inside. I always put a nice gob of synthetic grease on those when I have the S/C apart. You can get new ones too and replace them. They are INA FC65477. (That's the part number). A bearing supply house can get them for you if they don't have them in stock.

[JMSinMaryland]

1. What is the interval recommended?

2. What are you looking at pricewise? Parts? Labor?

Thanks. Jon.

[Eye8Pussies]

thanks for the info....I guess I'll be tearing everything apart soon then to do this, since the bearings are loud enough to make me wince....

Jim- when you're talking about taking the end cover, are you referring to the nosedrive?

As well, where can I find synthetic grease? I may as well do as much as I can while the s/c is off anyway.



But on an off note though- I'm going to be really busy in the coming couple of weeks, so I wouldn't mind paying the dealership to do it if they can do it without removing the s/c.

Would they have the tools to do the change without taking the s/c off the car? i.e. vacuuming the oil out and then putting it back in?


AND just to confirm- the oil plug is the little one below the pulley shaft, right? with the allen key hole?


Thanks guys!

[CASTRO]

jim, any tips or instructions on how to take the rotors out? I have synthetic grease and would also want to do as much work while the s/c is out. I have no idea what it looks like inside there so any tips for greasing/removal of the rotors or assembly instructions would be great.

[DatSRBoi]

Ive personally done it. Twice. Id recommend doing it every 7 to 10K miles even though you dont really need it until 15K.. But hey. Better safe then sorry right?

[CASTRO]

DAT, gimme tips on how to take out the rotors. I know about just changing the oil with the kit, but re-greasing the rotors + cleaning them out is starting to sound interesting.

[DatSRBoi]

DAT, gimme tips on how to take out the rotors. I know about just changing the oil with the kit, but re-greasing the rotors + cleaning them out is starting to sound interesting.

I unno. I just unbolt that ugly thing , cleaned it out, reoiled it and bolt it back togheter to torge spec hahaha. Its like doing your car oil only this one is alittle longer but easier... Just dont break any hose when you take off the charger

[Akfahad]

I ordered my TRD supercharger oil change kit and the instructions are included. The manual/installation documentation looks just like the one that came with the suprercharger. It includes that inside hockey-puck looking thing as well as sealant, oil, and a new plug. bought mine for 20 bucks

Castro, you got a link where you got the oil kit from?

[Fletch]

Nothing wrong with preventative maintenace, but every 15k sounds very frequent, I could be wrong. Wonder what interval GM recommends for their S/C 3.8L applications?

EDIT: 15k - 30k seems right on, here is some info specific to 4-runner but should be fine for us, well you all. My S/C is in a junk yard somewhere.

http://www.gadgetonline.com/SuperNose.htm

[PDX SuperSolara]

Synthetic grease is available at most auto supply shops like NAPA. The nose drive just pulls off and the rotors slide out of the rotor housing once the perimeter bolts are removed. These pieces sometimes stick a little. I always use a sealer during reassembly as there are no gaskets. I like Permatex Aviation form a gasket as it is very thin but seals well.