Manual Transmission Oil

[tartan18]

While I likely missed the answer even after doing a topic search, and therefore beg your understanding of this newbie's question, but what are the "special wear additives" that I need to add to the GL1 oil in my 5 speed transmission (1975 Spider)? According to the manual it specifies SAE 80W/90 oil containing special anti-wear additives. (Page 00-11, Spider Service Manual). I bought a gallon of GL1 from NAPA but it doesn't mention that it has any additives.

[kmead]

As long as you have chosen a GL 1 that is not EP (extreme pressure) you have the right product.

[velozi]

Transmission: NAPA SAE90 GL-1. Part# 65-201

[124ADDHE]

20-50 engine oil works great too! especially if you run your spider in cooler weather, like we do up in BC

[tartan18]

Thanks everyone for your help. I am going to use the NAPA GL-1 this time around but this coming fall I will likely change over to the 20W/50 for winter driving. When I drained the transmission oil out of the car it was dark/cloudy and there was a moderate amount of metal in the bottom of the drain pan. I have no idea when the transmission was last drained and refilled. I will feel better once I have drained and refilled it a second time.

Next on the agenda is to change my timing belt, tensioner and all the front end oil seals. After that is the installation of the new Allison Automotive aluminum radiator.

Again, thanks for your help.

[TulsaSpider]

Metal is never good! Is that Gordon?

[tartan18]

I discovered metal in both the differential and the transmission. Not a good sign so I will be monitoring this closely.

Tartan is the MacKenzie Clan. Luceo non Uro

[gabricare]

Can u guys tell me how to change the transmission oil?

[tartan18]

Changing the transmission oil in my 5 speed manual was a straight forward job but it came with the usual Fiat challenge. Step one was to take out the fill plug which is on the passenger side of the transmission housing. Make sure that you can take this plug out before draining the transmission or you won't be able to re-fill it. The plug is the same size as the differential and oil drain and fill plugs -- 17mm -- which makes things simple. Taking this plug out was for me the most challenging part of the job .. that sucker was on very tight and there isn't much room to maneuver up there. Once the fill plug is out then you can drain the fluid -- that was step two. I let mine drain overnight as the oil is heavy and takes awhile to empty. There is also a small square screw plug at the upper/rear of the transmission that needs to be taken out and this will drain off several additional ounces of oil. Once the transmission is drained I was ready for Step three -- refilling -- which is the reverse process. To re-fill the tranny I used a funnel with 5 feet of clear tubing. This is a picture of the one I bought at a local auto parts store but I had to buy a longer piece of clear tubing to run from the engine compartment down to the fill hole. Be sure the tube fits into the fill hole completely.



I then simply poured in the transmission oil (1.75 quarts). This took a while so I ended up securing the funnel and did a few other jobs around the garage while the new oil flowed.

I've probably given more direction than is needed or even wanted and likely a veteran will point out my mistakes.

[courtenay]

James - I wish I'd had your tutorial before I changed my tranny fluid. The long hose and funnel trick was a whole lot better than the rather messy route I took!!
Cheers,
Bruce

[124ADDHE]

make 2 holes in a 4l (gal) oil jug lig, place a plastic hose to the bottom of the jug through the hole, place other end into tranny fill hole, take compressed air and gently throttle it into the other hole in the oil-jug lid and voila, easy way of filling those hard to reach places.

[Ken]

I guess i do it the hard way, i went to NAPA and bought a gear oil pump. its about $20

[tartan18]

I'm a Scot. Need anything more be said ?

[adrians]

Can u guys tell me how to change the transmission oil?

Do a search for 17 year old sons - they come is useful for somethings .... Like holding the funnel.

[geno58]

What is the issue with EP Trans oil, seems like todays Synthetic Trans EP Oils would be a real advantage. Smoother shifting, longer trans life.