Compatability of GL-5 in tractor trans/rear

[RubbinIsRacin]

I'm working on a '53 Farmall Super M. The trans and rear share oil in the case. I would like to use 80w-90 or 85w-140 GL-5 due to ease of availability and cost. Some (not at BITOG) have suggested that the EP additives in the GL-5 might cause pitting in low unit loaded spur gears such as would be found in said tractor.

I imagine they are thinking of issues between GL-5 and brass, but I wanted to ask to make sure I haven't missed something. There is no brass in the tractor rear or trans, only ball bearings, spur gears and one bevel gear set. I have another M that I put 80w-90 GL-5 in about 5 years ago, but I haven't had it apart to look for any damage. It certainly hasn't failed.

Manual calls for 90w. I don't know when they started the GL ratings, but I don't know if the original fill would be as good as GL-1. I'm sure GL-5 is overkill, but is easy for me to find and budget friendly. Also I can keep one kind of gear oil in the shop.

I appreciate any info or suggestions.

 

[Audi Junkie]

GL-5 is ok. They do not supercede. The MT-1 spec allows use w/yellow metals.

 

[Whitewolf]

I'm not familiar with that machine. Does it have wet brakes? Have you got any pictures?

 

[MolaKule]

http://www.tractordata.com/td/td295.html

For the M it appears the transmission is just a sliding gear type but I too would want to know if it has wet brakes.

Did you get a tech manual for the tractor?

http://www.ytmag.com/store/manuals/ihman1.htm

 

[MolaKule]

http://www.tractorpart.com/farmall_clutch_kit.html

From this pic, it looks like a dry clutch.

 

[RubbinIsRacin]

Yes, just sliding spur gears. Brakes are mechanical dry disk. Clutch is also dry disk. Differential is open type. Trans/rear case holds about 13 gallons for the gears to splash around in. Bearings are 100% ball or roller. The hydraulic system is seperate and has it's own resevoir. I have all the manuals for it.
Also this one runs on propane, came brand new like that. I couldn't find a photo of one like that. Should put one of mine up some time.


Whitewolf, Here is typical Super M:
Super M

 

[Whitewolf]

Thank for the picture. That's a nice machine. Those that don't like tractors probably will not agree with me but I do like them.

It sounds to me as if you could just go for a good brand 75W-90 GL-5 and be fine. There are plenty of those to choose from.

 

[heyjayman]

You should be fine with your original plan to run GL-5. If it was a more modern tractor with combined TDH system (Wet brakes, wet clutch, wet PTO clutch, etc) you would require a special GL-4 rated TDH fluid.

Different tractor/HD equipment makers spec different fluids. This one from Esso I've had good luck with a 1972 IHC 454 tractor, tractor has been in the family since new

http://esso.ca/Canada-English/Files/Products_Lubes/IOCAENCVLESHydraul.pdf

As a hint, if you have a newer tractor or HD equipment, and are experiencing chatter with the brakes or wet clutch, try a fluid change first. Once the additives get used up, you will experience chatter/slip

 

[onion]

My Grandpa has one of those- bought it new in the mid 50's. It has the original oil in the transmission. A few years ago, he was telling me how the county had wasted so much money changing the oil every few years in a tractor just like his... and his still ran fine with the original oil in the transmission.

He'll turn 93 pretty soon, so I didn't try to change his mind.