15/40 in transmission?

[burgandy81]

Hi All,

I know the debate rages on appropriate transmission fluid and I need a little advice.

I have been looking for replacement oil for my transmission and have narrowed it down to 80/90 Non EP as per the book or 40 or 50W engine oil.

Trouble is I am having difficulty finding GL1 or non blended oils at my local suppliers and I would like to get this done quickly.

I have a case of 15/40 oil (labeled as diesel engine oil) that I use in my engine.

Will this work in the transmission?
Does the blending process introduce additives that are harmful to brass syncros?

Thoughts?

Cheers,

Jordan

[TimpanogosSlim]

I think the diesel engine oil is going to be way too thin, plus it has the wrong additive pack.

What country are you in? Many people in north america are using Redline MT90 in gear boxes that originally specified GL1. It is available in a large number of storefronts here.

[burgandy81]

Thanks.

I am in Canada and I would have thought I should be able to get almost anything. I am being met with blank stares when i ask for GL1 or even non ep gear oil (4 different large retailers this morning plus a bike shop and a marine service shop). Should I be asking for something else??

MT90 is definitely available here although it seems rather expensive as a replacement for plain old 80/90.

[lanciahf]

I had problems with MT90 in my box and a fellow member also had some. When I used to race my old spider others at the track told me to stay away from it. Do you have a NAPA near by? GL1 is just plain tractor oil.

[burgandy81]

Do you have a NAPA near by? GL1 is just plain tractor oil.

Yes I do and they seem not to know what GL 1 is either.

I spent another hour at one of the larger jobber (Lordco, for any western Canadians following along at home) and they had nothing that was 80/90 Non EP. They did have a Lucas 50 plus which is a straight 50 wt engine oil intended for racing.

Following on from a couple of Marks comments in other oil threads and the reports of a couple technical members I will be using the Luca 50 unless someone has a specific reason not to.

Anyone?

Bueller.....?

[TimpanogosSlim]

Napa sells GL-1 90-weight gear oil under their own house brand. The part number is NHF 65201 for a 1 gallon jug.

[TimpanogosSlim]

Also, the "Non EP" thing is a semantic problem, as i understand it, because the yellow-metal-compatible lubes have EP additives, even sulfur additives. Just not what you'd find in products for more modern gearboxes.

[So Cal Mark]

15/40 would be too thin for the tranny, 40W can commonly be found in racing oil. Most auto stores will have Valvoline Racing or something similar. 40 motor oil won't harm the brass

[RRoller123]

People have mentioned problems with MT90 gear oil. What specific problems?

[SpiderJunkie]

Hi,
I was able to get Pensoil GL1 for my local NAPA store here in Peterborough Ontario
another thread, http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 3&start=30
thanks

[Jimb]

I very thoroughly explored the options for tranny oil when I had mine rebuilt last year. I live in Victoria BC.

I found nothing for GL-1. NAPA do not carry anything up here that is close...nor does anybody else. I even tried various tractor parts suppliers in Sask. Nothing.

In the end I ordered GL-1 thru Vick Auto. I wish Autoricambi carried it because their service is far superior to Vicks, and one guy at Vicks had been very rude in the past. However Vicks was the quickest given the options for shipping to up here so I sucked it up for the sake of what was best for my rebuild.

Now I'm really glad I held out until I got the right stuff. I take comfort in knowing my tranny has the best oil rather than compromising or taking chances.

Jim

[azruss]

have you tried ordering on-line from someone like NAPA. You would have to buy a case, but once you have it, you should have no trouble selling the overstock to your Canadian compatriots.

[DieselSpider]

I had one mechanic at the millworks I maintained put Sulphur EP in our gearboxes with brass synchros and stress parts even though he was told not to. It cost us many thousands of dollars to repair all the damage to brass parts that got brittle or rotted and failed. The lost production cost us even more than the repairs.

In cold climates you could substitute the older formulations of automatic tranmission fluid such as the such as Dexron II or III or the old Mercons.

[burgandy81]

Thanks Jimb, I was worried my bloodhound skills were fading! I also live in Victoria and have had the same experience.

Last night I checked the trans fluid level and it is acceptable (+/- 1 mm from top of fill) for the time being. I will order the GL 1 from an online supplier and change the fluid after my trip.

Ordering a case is an interesting idea. Will investigate...

[narfire]

Ordering a case is an interesting idea. Will investigate...

Let me know eh. I'm over to the rock in September and would purchase 2-4 liters/quarts.
Chris