Gearbox Oil Question

[bakerloid]

Hi chaps,

I'm planning to change my gearbox oil this weekend (car is 944 S2, manual transmission). I know a lot of people recommend Swepco, but if I can get stuff from my local auto parts store (independant and really helpful nice guys) I always prefer to.

I know Haynes recommend transmission oil at spec SAE 80W API GL4 for this application. However, my supplier can provide me with Granville Hypoid EP 90 (http://www.granvilleoil.com/product_info.php?prod_id=320). Its definitely API:GL4, and conforms/exceeds the spec MIL-L-2105.

Can anyone confirm if this will be suitable please? What does the '90W' mean, and will there be any adverse effects to using this over '80W'?

I will also get myself some new filler/drain plugs, as they're cheap as chips, and will definitely check the filler hole comes out easily first []

Thanks in advance!

James

 

[j4mou]

this is the one Tim at Opie oils told me I should use if I decided not to go for Swepco (but I am getting swepco).

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-899-motul-gear-300-75w-90-racing-gearbox-and-differential-lubricant-100-synthetic-ester-based.aspx

James

 

[bighead]

I recently changed mine with Castrol syntrans multivehigle 75W-90W fully synthetic MTF, which improve the gearchange ...had Swepco in the box before the change (go figure! )

 

[Super_Marv]

ORIGINAL: bighead

I recently changed mine with Castrol syntrans multivehigle 75W-90W fully synthetic MTF, which improve the gearchange ...had Swepco in the box before the change (go figure! )

I figure that the old oil might have been 'worn' and the new oil felt better because it's new?[]

 

[bighead]

doubt it..as the swepco not been in that long , i change it because i find the gearchange abit stiff/tight with swepco oil

 

[bert gear]

how long was it in? Swepco takes a few hundred miles to work properly

 

[zcacogp]

I changed the oil in my S2 a couple of years after I bought it. Put in a good-quality synthetic oil to the correct spec (can't remember the details, it was from GM on their Trade Club scheme.)

I am pretty sure that the stuff I drained out was Swepco; it was pale blue in colour and not that old. The new oil was a significant improvement.


Oli.

 

[bighead]

yes that exactly what I found when i did the change(ie gearchange were alot easier and less effort)

 

[bighead]

Hi Bert...........swepco been in there more than afew hundred miles, that was the reason i did the change as I found the gearchange to be stiff and tight with swepco

ORIGINAL: bert gear

how long was it in? Swepco takes a few hundred miles to work properly

 

[bert gear]

ORIGINAL: bighead

Hi Bert...........swepco been in there more than afew hundred miles, that was the reason i did the change as I found the gearchange to be stiff and tight with swepco

ORIGINAL: bert gear

how long was it in? Swepco takes a few hundred miles to work properly

That does surprise me

 

[bighead]

yes me too.....as everyone seems to rave about the swepco !

 

[Copperman05]

I dont think there is any magic oil, swepco works because its a good quality synthetic oil, if you put in another good quality synthetic oil it will do largely the same job. Any oil after the 48,000 mile service schedule is going to feel better than the old stuff it replaces.


Edd

 

[zcacogp]

ORIGINAL: Copperman05

I dont think there is any magic oil, swepco works because its a good quality synthetic oil, if you put in another good quality synthetic oil it will do largely the same job. Any oil after the 48,000 mile service schedule is going to feel better than the old stuff it replaces.

DING DING DING DING DING! And the prize goes the the guy in the policeman's helmet! (Do you wear a helmet when at work Edd? Genuine question.)

Swepco is an industrial lubricant which was further developed to be used in the gearboxes of battle tanks. It is just that - a good-quality synthetic oil - and only that. (And not one that was developed for automotive purposes either.) Other oils exist which work as well, and any oil that has done a reasonable mileage will be starting to lost it's lubrication properties a little.


Oli.

 

[Copperman05]

ORIGINAL: zcacogp

(Do you wear a helmet when at work Edd? Genuine question.)

Erm...only when speaking to condescending east Londoners.[]

Personally I think 48,000 miles is too long between changes and do mine every 2-3 years.


Edd

 

[zcacogp]

We're the ones most likely to bash you over the napper with something hard, clearly!

Yes, I do mine every 2 years or so. Like most oil changes, doing it more often is a good thing. A 48,000 mile change interval is far too long.


Oli.

 

[MarkK]

Millers rules in my book[]

 

[Super_Marv]

ORIGINAL: zcacogp

We're the ones most likely to bash you over the napper with something hard, clearly!

Yes, I do mine every 2 years or so. Like most oil changes, doing it more often is a good thing. A 48,000 mile change interval is far too long.


Oli.

Gearbox oil is cheap, replacing a gearbox isn't!

That said, gearbox oil doesn't have to deal with the contaminants that engine oil does, so it doesn't need replacing too frequently.

 

[bighead]

ORIGINAL: zcacogp

Yes, I do mine every 2 years or so. Like most oil changes, doing it more often is a good thing. A 48,000 mile change interval is far too long.


Oli.

well on my E90 M3 the diff oil will last forever (according to BMW )as it state in the BMW manuel that it does not need changing !!

 

[zcacogp]

ORIGINAL: bighead
well on my E90 M3 the diff oil will last forever (according to BMW )as it state in the BMW manuel that it does not need changing !!

"Sealed for life", eh?

Apparently there are GM cars in the states that claim a 100,000 miles service interval as well.

Neither sound like a very good idea to me.


Oli.

 

[Ex Skyline]

Swepco has made a world of difference to my gear changes. Used to be a bit stiff and "clunky" but since JMG changed my gear box oil to swepco, the difference is amazing! Smooth as silk. Can you not get your local auto parts centre to get some Swepco in for you?