T3 transmission magnet has shiny filings

[Guzzer]

I bought a 76 T3 about a month ago & when changing all fluids noticed the transmission has a magnetic fill plug & it had a half dozen very tiny shiny metal filings about the size of an ant's head.  I assumed accumulation over long time.  Cleaned off & changed oil. Rode 50 miles or so...there they are again!
I've been riding an Ambassador & not quite used to the T3 shifting...Coild that be it or is it likely something is coming apart?

[jbell]

Not sure what, but I would classify under "not a good thing."  Definitely something to keep an eye on.

[Perazzimx14]

Drain the transmission and refill it with the same amount of kerosene. Run the bike on the centerstand in 1st gear for a minute or two and drain. Repeat if you think there is more gunk in the transmission. Once satisfied the transmission interior is cleaned refill with gear oil of your choosing. Go for a ride and then recheck.

I'm betting the filings you are seeing are an accumliation of years past When you changed the oil it disturbed them allowing the magnet to catch them. 

[Chuck in Indiana]

I'm betting the DPO saw them too, and decided it was time to sell..

[Guzzer]

Thanks!  I'll try the kerosene enima and get things sparkly clean in there, fill with oil, drive and check.  If I get any more metal on the magnet, I'll plan on pulling the transmission.  BTW, I have a T transmission that I could use but I seem to remember that they aren't exactly the same, right?

[canuck750]

The Eldo 5 speed back cover is different - the speedo cable location is rotated about the shaft position, you can swap a Tonti 5 speed cover onto an Eldo 5 speed.

Eldo



Tonti

[lucky phil]

I bought a 76 T3 about a month ago & when changing all fluids noticed the transmission has a magnetic fill plug & it had a half dozen very tiny shiny metal filings about the size of an ant's head.  I assumed accumulation over long time.  Cleaned off & changed oil. Rode 50 miles or so...there they are again!
I've been riding an Ambassador & not quite used to the T3 shifting...Coild that be it or is it likely something is coming apart?

Sounds like bearing material to me or gear face.
Ciao

[JoeW]

I bought a 76 T3 about a month ago & when changing all fluids noticed the transmission has a magnetic fill plug & it had a half dozen very tiny shiny metal filings about the size of an ant's head.  I assumed accumulation over long time.  Cleaned off & changed oil. Rode 50 miles or so...there they are again!
I've been riding an Ambassador & not quite used to the T3 shifting...Coild that be it or is it likely something is coming apart?

Metal filings on a trans magnet is normal. You did say filings, not chips or flakes. There is gear to gear contact in a trans, not to mention metal shift forks and gear dogs, and you will get some shedding. That's why the magnet is there! Don't make a mountain from a mole hill.