Hitchcocks Forum

This query relates to my "other" bike, but as you are a most experienced and knowledgeable forum (grovel, grovel!) may I test your patience? Just re-assembled a Villiers 6E, 3 speed gearbox. I am thinking of packing it with grease as I would an RE Classic gearbox. Do you think that this would be detrimental? To be honest not having faith in my abilities I am hoping to minimise the risk of leakage. Any thoughts? Thank you!
dottyone.

In my book, Modern Motorcycle Mechanics, Villiers gearbox lube is given as "automotive gear oil" but "30 or 40 engine oil is now recommended on all current models". The book is dated at 1969. however, in my older Reditch Enfield manual, it states to "Pack all recesses in the gear case with soft grease", and topped up with gear oil. "ON NO ACCOUNT MUST HEAVY YELLOW GREASE BE USED". Enfield recommend Veedol 00 drease for initial filling, topping up with SAE 50 oil during maintainance.

You can use OO grease in the Villiers box bit there's no advantage unless the box is leaking. I had a problem with a leaky Tiger Cub box and cured it with 120 gear oil. Pretty thick stuff and it stopped the leak until I can do the job properly.

Thanks both. Looking at the parts catalogue again it appears that I have omitted a sealing ring form the kick start shaft, so I'm going to start again and try get it right this time. Bulletwhisperer I am not!