HPL Manual Transmission Life...vs Other GL-4 Synthetics?

[AdmiralYoda]

I've got a 1987 Toyota 4 Runner with the W56 5-speed manual. It has yellow brass synchro's in the transmission and calls for a 75W-90 GL-4 oil. I think someone put some GL-5 in there before I got it because it gets a bit notchy, especially when cold.

The Redline MT-90 currently in there helped significantly but is about 12 years old and it is time for some new fluid. Redline MT-90 GL-4 s a great manual trans fluid but I'm also considering HPL's Manual Transmission Life and Amsoil's GL-4 Manual Transmission and Transaxle Gear Lube.

Anyone have experience with HPL's Manual Transmission Life? Also...does anyone have a copy of the datasheet? It doesn't appear to be on their product page at the moment. I want to make sure it is GL-4 rated and is safe for brass parts. Thanks!

 

[Jetronic]

notchy when cold? look for an oil with a lower Brookfield viscosity.

 

[AdmiralYoda]

notchy when cold? look for an oil with a lower Brookfield viscosity.

I should clarify. When I say cold I'm not referring to the outside ambient temperature, I'm referring to the operating temperature. Even if it is 70F out it feels a little notchy until it is warmed up a bit. Gets a little worse in cold outside temps but she is a garage queen and I don't usually drive the 4Runner below 40F.

 

[Jetronic]

I should clarify. When I say cold I'm not referring to the outside ambient temperature, I'm referring to the operating temperature. Even if it is 70F out it feels a little notchy until it is warmed up a bit. Gets a little worse in cold outside temps but she is a garage queen and I don't usually drive the 4Runner below 40F.

look for an oil with a little less kv40 then

 

[Marcozi]

Contact the folks at Redline. The may be able to help.

 

[drtyler]

HPL has stated before that the GL-5 product does not attack yellow metals and is safe for use in GL-4 applications.

 

[AdmiralYoda]

Contact the folks at Redline. The may be able to help.

Redline MT-90 is currently in it and has helped dramatically but its 12 years old and time for fresh fluid. Looking at Amsoil and HPL as alternatives. HPL doesn't have a datasheet on their website currently.

 

[Tempest1]

Back when I had my manual Ranger, the Amsoil MTF did wonders for shifting and smooth operation.

 

[thescreensavers]

HPL has stated before that the GL-5 product does not attack yellow metals and is safe for use in GL-4 applications.

I remember reading it because they don't use Sulfur in their gear oils. Something like that.

OP you can email HPL they are responsive

 

[AdmiralYoda]

Mary Jane sent me the datasheet so I am posting this here for any that stumble upon this. See below for the specs HPL Manual Transmission Life and Redline's MT-90 and Amsoil's Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Lube (MTG).

HPL Manual Transmission Life:

Redline MT-90:

Amsoil Synthetic Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Lube (MTG):

 

[edyvw]

I should clarify. When I say cold I'm not referring to the outside ambient temperature, I'm referring to the operating temperature. Even if it is 70F out it feels a little notchy until it is warmed up a bit. Gets a little worse in cold outside temps but she is a garage queen and I don't usually drive the 4Runner below 40F.

I have HPL 75W in my car now.
I used before that Redline D4 (favorite in BMW community) and Motul MultiATF.
I decided to give a try and it is underwhelming. Wear protection wise, I have no doubt it is top notch. But shifting wise, it is far from those two, especially Motul. In cold it is OK, maybe on par D4, definitely not as good as Motul. The problem is hot gearbox. It doesn’t provide feeling those do. It is first time in this transmission that I almost went into 3rd gear instead of 5th when shifting fast. Could be thinner nature, though 75W is not as thin as other 75W MTF.
Definitely getting it out soon and replacing with something else. I will give it benefit of doubt that shifting while hot might be due to KV100.