Gearbox Oil

[kmam]

I'm sure I bought 90 oil when I last changed the gearbox oil but can't find any now. These are the only oils I can find - is one of them OK?

[m3a1]

Recommend you get a gear oil that states that it is safe for use with soft metals such as brass or copper. Tractor supply has a product that states very specifically that it is for use with vintage Ford tractor gearboxes.

Your MUTT's transmission is constructed using plenty of those soft metals. So, you don't want to use a product that breaks those metals down.

Cheers,
TJ

[rickf]

The 80W-90 would be the best choice. It is a GL-5 oil but I see it also has the MT-1 additive so it should be Ok for the transmissions syncros. The other oil is a bit on the light side.

[kmam]

Thanks for the replies. Yeah, lately we have been in the high 30s, low 40s so oil too thin could be a problem.

With the smaller market here, finding specialist oils it a bit difficult but I will keep searching to see if there is anything more suitable but I do need to change it soon as I need to replace the leaking sump plug.

[kmam]

Found this from Penrite - does it sound like the good oil?:
Last updated: 07/12/2018 4:05 pm TRANSOIL SAE 90
PRODUCT CODE PACK SIZE CARTON QTY
T90001 1L 6
PRODUCT BENEFITS
Transoil 90 is premium non EP, API GL-1 rated SAE 90 gear oil designed specifically
for use in veteran, vintage and Edwardian gearbox, transaxles and selected spur and
bevel type rear axles. It does not contain any aggressive load carrying additives that
may cause corrosion damage to ferrous and non ferrous metal types used in these
types of vehicles.
APPLICATION
Transoil 90 suitable for use in manual transmissions and transaxles in veteran, vintage
& Edwardian vehicles.
Transoil 90 is used primarily as a gearbox oil in medium to large veteran and
Edwardian cars. Also used in gearbox applications in vintage and pre war cars. It may
also be used as a rear axle oil in many light cars or voiturettes. This oil is compatible with leather and synthetic
rubber seals.
DO NOT use in axles fitted with any sort of hypoid gears.
PRODUCT BENEFITS
Does not corrode ferrous and non-ferrous materials.
Compatible with leather and synthetic rubber seals.
INDUSTRY & MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS
API GL-1
TYPICAL DATA
Colour Amber
SAE Grade 90
Density at 15°C, kg/L 0.892
Viscosity, Kinematic, cSt at 40°C 233
Viscosity, Kinematic, cSt at 100°C 19.0
Viscosity Index 91
PENRITE OIL COMPANY PTY LTD ABN 25 005 001 525
110 Greens Rd, Dandenong South, Victoria 3175 Australia
Phone: 1300-PENRITE (1300 736 748)
Fax: 1800-PENRITE (1800 736 748)
International Ph: +61 3 9801 0877, Fax: +61 3 9801 0977
New Zealand Ph:0800 533 698, Fax: 0508 736 748
Website: www.penriteoil.com.au
Email: penrite@penriteoil.com.au

[Hambone]

Sounds good, we can get 80-140w over here, I live in the south where it is warm, thought it might help with some of the drips.

[rickf]

Found this from Penrite - does it sound like the good oil?:
Last updated: 07/12/2018 4:05 pm TRANSOIL SAE 90
PRODUCT CODE PACK SIZE CARTON QTY
T90001 1L 6
PRODUCT BENEFITS
Transoil 90 is premium non EP, API GL-1 rated SAE 90 gear oil designed specifically
for use in veteran, vintage and Edwardian gearbox, transaxles and selected spur and
bevel type rear axles. It does not contain any aggressive load carrying additives that
may cause corrosion damage to ferrous and non ferrous metal types used in these
types of vehicles.
APPLICATION
Transoil 90 suitable for use in manual transmissions and transaxles in veteran, vintage
& Edwardian vehicles.
Transoil 90 is used primarily as a gearbox oil in medium to large veteran and
Edwardian cars. Also used in gearbox applications in vintage and pre war cars. It may
also be used as a rear axle oil in many light cars or voiturettes. This oil is compatible with leather and synthetic
rubber seals.
DO NOT use in axles fitted with any sort of hypoid gears.
PRODUCT BENEFITS
Does not corrode ferrous and non-ferrous materials.
Compatible with leather and synthetic rubber seals.
INDUSTRY & MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS
API GL-1
TYPICAL DATA
Colour Amber
SAE Grade 90
Density at 15°C, kg/L 0.892
Viscosity, Kinematic, cSt at 40°C 233
Viscosity, Kinematic, cSt at 100°C 19.0
Viscosity Index 91
PENRITE OIL COMPANY PTY LTD ABN 25 005 001 525
110 Greens Rd, Dandenong South, Victoria 3175 Australia
Phone: 1300-PENRITE (1300 736 748)
Fax: 1800-PENRITE (1800 736 748)
International Ph: +61 3 9801 0877, Fax: +61 3 9801 0977
New Zealand Ph:0800 533 698, Fax: 0508 736 748
Website: http://www.penriteoil.com.au
Email: penrite@penriteoil.com.au

Howard, This is exactly what was specified for the original specs so this would be perfect. The only advantages of the newer oils is the newer additives and I really don't think that is a concern since you are not racing nor are you really abusing the vehicle.

[svramselaar]

hi

see this about the oil
https://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthrea ... l-question

australian oil gl1
https://www.repco.com.au/en/brands/penr ... p/A9307457
http://www.smittysinc.net/catalog/gear- ... -gear-oil/ ? uastr
http://www.cam2.com/catalog/gear-oil/ma ... ar-oil-90/ ? austr
http://www.hosemart.com.au/media/blfa_f ... alogue.pdf road ranger 50

george

[m3a1]

Isn't it nice to know you're on the right forum? All the help anyone could ever want is right here.

[rickf]

I just love when the "experts" chime in. The MT-1 is added to the oil to make it usable with yellow metals. Now, If it was still no good for that purpose don't you think the lawyers would be advertising all over TV wanting to start class action suits against the oil companies? I am pretty sure the oil companies know that and they have tested the oils first to prevent that. The original GL-5 is what started the yellow metal debate and you know that once one bad thing hits the net it blows up. I was hoping Raymond would get in on this since he is in the oil business and has all the proper degrees to explain the additives, as he has done in the past. But Howard, go with the GL-1 and then you know for sure you are safe.

[kmam]

Thanks again all. I have ordered the SAE 90 for vintage vehicles. A little dear but given the money I have spent on this MUTT it is worth it.

[raymond]

Just remember that GL1 through GL3 are obsolete and that API does not test for compliance with these specs anymore. So buyer beware.

My advise is still to use GL4 which should always be safe, or GL5 with the MT1 spec. GL4 should always be safe for manual transmissions. If in doubt, call the manufacturer. They don't want you using the wrong oil and then going on the web and telling people it damaged your equipment. And GL5 oil will not immediately destroy your transmission. What happens is that the high pressure additives contain active sulfur compounds. These sulfur compounds are slightly acidic in nature. They essentially wear away non ferrous metals one atomic layer at a time. So your synchronizers won't go bad overnight, but their useful life will be greatly shortened. The MT1 additive buffers the acidic effects of the sulfur high pressure additives. For the best protection ask about Mil spec 2105E or it's civilian equivalent SAE J2360. Again, if in doubt, call the manufacturer. Most packages have contact info, and if not, google is your friend.

[kmam]

Thanks Raymond. I have ordered the 90 already and I am guessing that Penrite is reliable enough to ensure that the oil they make for vintage/historic vehicles is up to spec. In future I will order the oil you suggest and save a few dollars (plus it is available off the shelf instead of a special order).