Transmission Oil Change RESOLVED sorta

[giuliot60]

I used GL1, which is what is recommended by Fiat. Some use others.

The differential take 90 weight gear oil, not the same.

[forzaphil]

Hey all, I realize this is resurrecting an older post, but I figured I would post this information since it is pertinent to this thread. I'm sure many of you know about this midwest 124 Fiat servicing shop, but their information about which lubricant to use in the spider manual transmission is very helpful:

http://www.midwest124.com/Transmission_work.htm

It states very clearly to NOT use GL-2,3,4 or 5 lubricants, but to stick specifically to Gl-1 90 w mineral oil (as mentioned above, Napa sells it by the gallon for about $10). The additives in the other ratings (extreme pressure additives) attack the soft metals in the transmission like those of the syncros and shorten the life of the transmission.

Stumbled on this and figured everyone could benefit from the knowledge. I found this out after running GL-5 in my Valentina for about a year, and I can attest that it is harder shifting now...

[4uall]

I hear ya When I went into Napa to get mine I specifically asked about our cars and engines etc. This oil is safe to use for all yellow/soft metals

[phaetn]

Found another brand at my local NAPA, not Pennzoil, but labelled Synchromesh and stated specifically that it's good for yellow soft metals like brass, copper, etc.

It was a bit of a bear to get the fill plug out as access is quite tight on my car because of the exhaust and associated heat shield. Once I knew I could get that plug out then I tackled the drain plug which was no biggie (12mm hex key). Suprisingly little oil came out. It had never been checked since I bought the car in March/April so I'm glad I looked at it today and filled it. Also adjusted the clutch as I had a new cable installed about three weeks ago.

Only bummer was that I went to top up differential oil (which had been changed in June) I discovered that the mechanic has rounded the 17mm bolt! grrrrrr. Will have to order another and then try an extractor set to get the bad one out, or have a muffler shop weld something onto it to get a grip on it...

Cheers,
Phaetn

[4uall]

good stuff

[spiderdan]

Found another brand at my local NAPA, not Pennzoil, but labelled Synchromesh and stated specifically that it's good for yellow soft metals like brass, copper, etc.

So what's the other brand name

[phaetn]

Found another brand at my local NAPA, not Pennzoil, but labelled Synchromesh and stated specifically that it's good for yellow soft metals like brass, copper, etc.

So what's the other brand name

Synchromesh by Quaker State. Green 946ml bottle, so a bit less than two for a complete transmission oil change. Non EP -- says right on the bottle that it's good for yellow metals.

I think different NAPA dealers may carry different products -- I got this at the one on Industrial Ave; certainly up here in the Great White North we can't get the NAPA branded 90 weight mineral oils that others can get south of the border.

Canadian Tire, NAPA, etc. carry an oil gun for squirting lubricants into high places, but I ended up using a hose and pump much like Jay's that I bought at Princess auto, along with a 1/2" drive ratchet hex (Allen key) set for the drain plug(s). PA has A LOT of good stuff (no oils, just hardware). Bought a couple of other things that I will give to my wife to put under the Christmas tree!



Cheers,
phaetn

[spiderdan]

A mans' store named Princess...I love that place.
Always come out with more than I went in to buy.

CU soon bud, gonna be a lovely day.

[Nanonevol]

Can someone tell us what the purpose is of that hex allen bolt in the picture above the fill plug? I found this discussed in other threads but haven't found a definitive answer. Is it a sensor missing wires? Is it actually the correct fill plug?

[Lkcast]

that thread was most helpful and very enlightening. thank you so much i feel very confident i will be able to change the oil and feel very good about it.

[4uall]