Tranny lube, again

[rlux4]

I'm not too keen on 90w in the tranny, and I know it's GL1 recommended, but I've heard where a 20/50 synthetic motor oil is a good aternative. I have some 20/50 Amsoil racing oil on hand, does anyone have experience/opinion on this option?

[mbouse]

use GL-1. saves the brass in the tranny.

i believe tractor supply stores sell it, so you don't have to pay the high price from our catalogue vendors plus shipping

[rlux4]

Thanks Mike, out here in what they call the high desert (SW corner of Mojave desert) we don't have any tractor supply stores, not enough people cultivating tumbleweed I guess. We do have a couple places that sell new tractors (backhoes and so forth) I'll try them. Ron

[ga.spyder]

I'm no tranny expert ,but I did just spend a large chunk of change on a rebuild. The mech who did the work said the p/o used some kind of synthetic or other non-spec fluid in there. It had damaged the bearings ,and synchros.The proper ,reccomended GL-1 is a LOT cheaper than a new tranny. Craig

[So Cal Mark]

why shut out the Fiat vendors though? It's more important to keep them around than some friggin' tractor supply

[rlux4]

I'll be buying GL1 from a vendor. Easy Mark, easy. The places up here that sell tractors don't know what GL1 is! I really only wanted to get something locally because I thought it would be quicker. I'm sure it could use a change, and I thought the quicker the better, that's why I asked about the syntetic, I have some. But from what I'm hearing, better stay with the normal stuff. Thanks guys. Ron

[So Cal Mark]

I don't have a problem with synthetic, as long as it's non-ep. Synthetic is still made from crude oil, only it uses premium crude. It's really not synthetic so the name is a misnomer.

[mdrburchette]

GM synchromesh is also safe since GM trannies also use yellow metals. In fact, several other car manufacturers are going to this product to solve shifting problems. My X has some problems with this so I'll swap and see if it helps.

[So Cal Mark]

you know, I'm not aware of any manual tranny that doesn't use brass for the synchros

[rlux4]

I've seen the Syncromesh fluid in the auto parts stores, it never has any rating on it, only that it fits GM & Chrysler specs, so I wasn't sure if it would do it. I never have a pen on me when I'm in the stores, so I haven't looked up what those specs are. And yeah Mark, what syncros aren't brass! But, after I got my little honey (Spider, not wife) and started educating myself via the forum, one of the first things I noticed was all the concern about tranny lube. Yeah, GL1 is recommended, but I've seen other options recommended by users. None of which I can get by jumping in the Fiat and driving down to the store. I just know that if the condition that the engine oil was in is any indication, then the PO didn't place as much importance in fluids as she did keeping it absolutely rust free. So, waiting for the GL1.

[124cso]

I've just changed my manual trans oil and had the same problem as others, trying to find a non EP gear oil. Even the goons in the auto supply places do not know and most of the pack labels are not too specific. Went to an ELF oil dealer and got told to use a straight 50 weight engine oil. No way was I putting that in !
Finally found Fuchs do a straight 80 weight gear oil that is "supposed" to be non EP and was half the cost of EP. Castrol do "VMX" which is a "mild EP" - what the hell is a MILD EP ???????????????
An interesting point is that even on API's website, there is no specific detail as to EXACTLY what the GL numbers mean!

Another point, I replaced the diff oil too but could only just get a litre bottlefull into it. Book says 1.2 litres, but it was full. Anybody else found this ? Mine has the salisbury type axle.

As a matter of interest, my 2006 toyota truck with 5speed manual takes same EP oil as in the diff and it has brass/bronze synchro.

[mbouse]

rear diff and tranny take two different fluids.

80-90 is ok for the rear diff, as with the steering box.....but not the tranny.

[ga.spyder]

One of our vendors ,Vick Autosports has the proper GL-1 for less than $5 a quart. Pretty cheap insurance!

[TulsaSpider]

GM synchromesh is also safe since GM trannies also use yellow metals. In fact, several other car manufacturers are going to this product to solve shifting problems. My X has some problems with this so I'll swap and see if it helps.

Is there any dissent/discussion about the Synchromesh? Any other info? At least it's readily available!!
My book says 3.5 pints is that a correct statement?
Thanks
Clark

[NickSpider]

how many quarts of the GL1 does it take, I am assuming this is the gear oil that Vicks sells for 4.95 a quart?