75W-85W Correct Lube Spec ?

Status
Not open for further replies.
Originally Posted By: MolaKule
Quote:
What is the design goal for specifying an oil with two low temp grades such as 75W-85W? Is this just to have a finer difference in the viscosity cSt ?


It is kind of splitting hairs, but I think the "W" suffixes were possibly meant to convey slightly better low temp performance specs and possibly lower pour points.


Could we say a current MTF in list 3) ie Nissan MTF 75W-85 would meet the viscosity and API requirements for a transaxle spec for API GL-4, SAE Gear oil either 75W-85W or 75W-90? The gear oil specs are from 1994.
 
"I can assure you the Pennzoil® Synchromesh Fluid has a GL4 protection rating, but the viscosity of Pennzoil® Synchromesh Fluid may not be correct for your transmission design."

I don't have questions about what the proper fluid is for my tranny, it's what Dodge and some transmission suppliers prescribes for warranty and what a number of others have concluded after trying different lubes; Castrol Syntorq.

I was noting that it's confusing as Synchromesh isn't rated as GL-4, something that has also caused confusion for others who are trying to find a GL-4 fluid for their transmissions. Even Amsoil doesn't seem to spec GL-4 for theirs.

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/mtf.aspx

Synthetic Manual Synchromesh Transmission Fluid (MTF) SAE 5W-30

Synthetic Manual Transmission and Transaxle Gear Lube 75W-90 API GL-4 (MTG)

SEVERE GEAR® Synthetic Extreme Pressure (EP) Lubricant 75W-90 (SVG)
 
Quote:
Ok, would it be correct to say that there is now an MTL spec chart for viscosity, temp and SAE grades, and they do not have a correlation to SAE gear lubes ( or AGMA ) in the past?


Other than the chart I present here and the manf. specs, I know of no other guide at the present time.

The SAE gear lubes or the AGMA charts are mainly for differentials and industrial gear boxes.
 
The only fluid I can find is Castrol Syntorq® LT 75w85w.

Quote:
I don't have questions about what the proper fluid is for my tranny, it's what Dodge and some transmission suppliers prescribes for warranty and what a number of others have concluded after trying different lubes; Castrol Syntorq.

I was noting that it's confusing as Synchromesh isn't rated as GL-4, something that has also caused confusion for others who are trying to find a GL-4 fluid for their transmissions. Even Amsoil doesn't seem to spec GL-4 for theirs.


Then maybe I am confused because I didn't see the confusion: What IS the real question? What information over and above what I already gave presents a problem?

I could care less what your brand loyalty is; I am simply try to give info so you guys can make an informed and educated decisions.
 
Last edited:
Edge10's original question was about 75W85W in his Mitsubishi.

Quote:
Current MTL GL4 viscosites are:

1. ATF Series - Type; 6.5 to 8.5 cSt (Equivalent ATF viscosity; Note: ATF additive package is weak compared to most GL 4's)
2. Synchromesh Series -Type; 9.3 - 9.5 cSt (such as Texaco's MTL, Pennzoil's Synchromesh, GM and Chrysler's Synchromesh)
3. 75W85 Series-Type; 9.8 to 11.5 cSt (Amsoils MTF, Redline's MTL, RP's Synchromax LT, Nissan's MTL, Honda MTL, Castrol Syntorq LT)


Syntorq LT was on this list for 75W85's.
21.gif
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: MolaKule
This line should state:

1. ATF Series-Type; 6.5 to 8.5 cSt (Equivalent to ATF viscosity; Note: ATF additive package is weak compared to most GL 4's)


What products fall into type 1?? My manual trans is spec'ed for atf(aft+4) and I have been looking for a better option since I read up on threads here. You have stated in the past that atf isn't the best opton for manual trans applications and explained the reasons why but I haven't seen any products listed that would fit the bill, so to speak, other than your own lubes that I understand aren't being made any more. I want to try something other than atf but my own poking around on oil company websites hasn't really turned anything up. Got any old stock of your products?
grin2.gif
I only need 2 1/2 quarts.
smirk2.gif
 
Originally Posted By: FiremarshalRob
Molakule, I respect your knowledge and I have heard you referred to as "legendary" on here and other forums.
On another forum I read where somebody used some of your "special sauce" for their tranny, or maybe it was the engine.

Do you make a specific manual tranny fluid that can be purchased?

Sorry if I'm totally mistaken here.
 
"I could care less what your brand loyalty is; I am simply try to give info so you guys can make an informed and educated decisions."

It's not a question about brand loyalty, it's a basic warranty issue. Also, we appreciate your knowledge, and appreciate you taking the time to educate us, that's why we're still asking questions like 'why don't makers label or spec synchromesh as GL-4 ?'.

Below is some info on Syntorq;

http://www.high-impact.net/nv4500.htm

Additional Info: Here is the response to an inquiry that was sent to Castrol USA about where to get Castrol Syntorq in Europe: "Castrol TAF-X 75W-90 GL-4 gear oil is made in the U.K. and sold only in Europe. However, the equivalent in the U.S. is Syntorq LT. Having said that, Syntorq LT SAE 75W-85, API GL -4 is a premium high performance, synthetic gear lubricant for synchronized manual transmissions. The all new "clean slate" approach enables Syntorq LT to provide consistent performance and durability under the most severe operating conditions due to its unique polymer free formula. It has been designed primarily as a problem solving gear lubricant for manual transmissions to provide reduced gearshift effort at low temperatures. Syntorq LT is available through General Motors (Part #12346190) and Chrysler (Part #4637579) dealerships. Please contact your local dealership."



http://www.gm-diesel.com/diesel/vbull/showthread.php?t=9722

I have a 97 K2500 with manual 5 spd (MW3 = NV4500 I think). The shop manual specs Castrol Syntorq or GM P/N 12346190.

Why brand specific? Is it synthetic gear oil or semi-synthetic? What is the viscosity? What is equivalent? What is the Amsoil equivalent?


http://www.napcltd.ca/forms/oil-guide.pdf


http://quad4x4.com/NV4500FAQ.htm

What lubricant should I use and were can I get it?
Castrol Syntorq LT® 75w85w GL-4 rated, low temperature, synthetic gear lubricant is the only factory approved lubricant for NV4500 series transmissions. Some other lubricant manufacturers such as Amsoil may have products that are compatible. However, we have yet to see any other lubricant match the specifications of Syntorq LT®.

Castrol Syntorq LT® is available in quart bottles from Dodge dealers (p/n 4874459) and GM dealers (p/n 12346190). Castrol distributors offer factory sealed 16 gallon drums, plus some repackage the oil in 5 gallon pails. We sell Syntorq LT® in two quart jugs.
 
Originally Posted By: MolaKule
Edge10's original question was about 75W85W in his Mitsubishi.

Quote:
Current MTL GL4 viscosites are:

1. ATF Series - Type; 6.5 to 8.5 cSt (Equivalent ATF viscosity; Note: ATF additive package is weak compared to most GL 4's)
2. Synchromesh Series -Type; 9.3 - 9.5 cSt (such as Texaco's MTL, Pennzoil's Synchromesh, GM and Chrysler's Synchromesh)
3. 75W85 Series-Type; 9.8 to 11.5 cSt (Amsoils MTF, Redline's MTL, RP's Synchromax LT, Nissan's MTL, Honda MTL, Castrol Syntorq LT)


Syntorq LT was on this list for 75W85's.
21.gif




Yes, I wonder if we could revisit the original topic for a moment. Given that there is little difference between a 75W- 85 and 75W-85W would a 75W-85 GL-4 (ie Nissan 75W-85 MTF) oil meet the requirements for this Mitsu 3000GT trans which specs 75W-85W or 75W-90 GL-4? I prefer the Nissan MTF because it is a slightly higher viscosity and it is a mineral oil (Dino) rather than a synthetic such as Syntorq LT.
 
Nissan OE 75w85 would be a good choice. Ford also has a GL4 75w90,

I do recommend Amsoil/Redline..... but there are good OE fluids that are sometimes easy to fine(if you don't mind dealer ripoff pricing).

75w-85w is most likely a misprint.
 
Quote:
I prefer the Nissan MTF because it is a slightly higher viscosity and it is a mineral oil (Dino) rather than a synthetic such as Syntorq LT.


They are both Group II+, Group III fluids with other groups such as Group V alkybenzene and no VII's.

UnDummy: Honest to goodness, 75W85W is what is on the label. I think this is why they can claim this is a Low Temp fluid. I have yet to see the Brookfield Vis or the PourPoint.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: unDummy
Nissan OE 75w85 would be a good choice. Ford also has a GL4 75w90,

I do recommend Amsoil/Redline..... but there are good OE fluids that are sometimes easy to fine(if you don't mind dealer ripoff pricing).

75w-85w is most likely a misprint.


The 75w-85w appears several places in the Dodge/ Mitsu service and owners manuals. If it is not a misprint I think this is a silly spec.

Yep, the Nissan OE fluid is a ripoff unless you go mail order, which is 1/2 a ripoff - at about $US 8 a quart. I probably go with it though, since I am looking for a mineral base oil and can't find Syntorq that easily.
 
Originally Posted By: edge10
Originally Posted By: MolaKule
Edge10's original question was about 75W85W in his Mitsubishi.

Quote:
Current MTL GL4 viscosites are:

1. ATF Series - Type; 6.5 to 8.5 cSt (Equivalent ATF viscosity; Note: ATF additive package is weak compared to most GL 4's)
2. Synchromesh Series -Type; 9.3 - 9.5 cSt (such as Texaco's MTL, Pennzoil's Synchromesh, GM and Chrysler's Synchromesh)
3. 75W85 Series-Type; 9.8 to 11.5 cSt (Amsoils MTF, Redline's MTL, RP's Synchromax LT, Nissan's MTL, Honda MTL, Castrol Syntorq LT)


Syntorq LT was on this list for 75W85's.
21.gif




Yes, I wonder if we could revisit the original topic for a moment. Given that there is little difference between a 75W- 85 and 75W-85W would a 75W-85 GL-4 (ie Nissan 75W-85 MTF) oil meet the requirements for this Mitsu 3000GT trans which specs 75W-85W or 75W-90 GL-4? I prefer the Nissan MTF because it is a slightly higher viscosity and it is a mineral oil (Dino) rather than a synthetic such as Syntorq LT.


I`ve tried both Nissan MTF 75W85 and Amsoil MTG 75W90 and the Amsoil blows it away!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No contest whatsoever.
 
What impresses me the most so far about the Amsoil is that it`s eliminated the tranny`s bearing rattle and shifting quality actually gets better the hotter the tranny gets instead of notchy like all the other oils I`ve tried.
 
Originally Posted By: edge10
Originally Posted By: unDummy
Nissan OE 75w85 would be a good choice. Ford also has a GL4 75w90,

I do recommend Amsoil/Redline..... but there are good OE fluids that are sometimes easy to fine(if you don't mind dealer ripoff pricing).

75w-85w is most likely a misprint.


The 75w-85w appears several places in the Dodge/ Mitsu service and owners manuals. If it is not a misprint I think this is a silly spec.

Yep, the Nissan OE fluid is a ripoff unless you go mail order, which is 1/2 a ripoff - at about $US 8 a quart. I probably go with it though, since I am looking for a mineral base oil and can't find Syntorq that easily.


Your location says US. If you`re anywhere near Austin,Tx and you want to give the Nissan MTF a whirl,swing by Southpoint Nissan (where I bought mine) and buy it there. I paid $7 a quart for it.
 
Last edited:
I understand that the auto manufacturer wanted to use thinner oil to reduce drag in the transmission and thus fuel consumption. The problem I have is the oil spec 75W-85W that gives two viscosities at low temperature and an none at higher temp. It leads to confusion when transmission fluids are usually are spec'd with both low and high viscosity. According to SAE J306 both 75W and 85W have no max limit of viscosity at 100 C operating temperature, only a min limit. Maybe incomplete is a better word than silly.
 
Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
What impresses me the most so far about the Amsoil is that it`s eliminated the tranny`s bearing rattle and shifting quality actually gets better the hotter the tranny gets instead of notchy like all the other oils I`ve tried.


I believe I'm experiencing that right now with PZ synchromesh.
I've got some Amsoil MTG on order! 1st time Amsoil order!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

C
Toyota C64 Manual Transaxle Oil for Celica 7th 2ZZ-GE
Replies
8
Views
649
celica7ts
T
Running different OEM MTF’s in other make vehicles
Replies
15
Views
806
nthach
fast_dave
Front Diff. Fluid for Alfa-Romeo Stelvio Q4
Replies
4
Views
654
fast_dave
B
Help me pick a Diff Fluid, 23 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4
Replies
16
Views
4K
Jerrysends
J
2019 Subaru Crosstrek 6MT transmission fluid
2
Replies
27
Views
2K
ceecbtg
Back
Top Bottom