Is this NAPA gear oil GL-4?

Towncivilian · Dec 25, 2011

Does anybody know if this NAPA 80W-90 gear oil is GL-4 rated? http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx?R=NO_75210_0006411584 It's made by Valvoline (Ashland) from looking at the MSDS, but other than that I can't find much information about it.

Lead Shoes · Dec 25, 2011

I believe it is GL-5, it has been a while since I browsed Napa shelves though...

aquariuscsm · Dec 25, 2011

It's GL5. Only GL4 from NAPA I know of is the Sta Lube GL4 85W90 and the Sta Lube GL4 SAE140.

Towncivilian · Dec 25, 2011

Thanks for the quick replies guys. Have a merry Christmas!

Ken2 · Dec 25, 2011

Keep in mind that GL-4 is an obsolete spec, and that modern additives used to make a GL-5 gear oil are not harmful to the yellow metals in transmissions. If the label says the oil is OK in transmissions, it probably is OK.

Al · Dec 25, 2011

Originally Posted By: Ken2

Keep in mind that GL-4 is an obsolete spec, and that modern additives used to make a GL-5 gear oil are not harmful to the yellow metals in transmissions. If the label says the oil is OK in transmissions, it probably is OK.

Yea and I can't say to use GL-5 it, but 5 to 10 years ago this subject was beaten to death here with one person known to know what was going on..stated that tests to certify GL-4 were not being done anymore and agreed with ken. But if you look here: http://corvaircenter.com/phorum/read.php?1,266128 It claims that that the GL-4 has half of the sulfur/phosphorous additive. This additive provides a stronger EP bond and it tends to bond to bras so strongly that it is ripped away (synchronizers) and caries brass away with it. It claims that much higher levels of brass are seen in Trannies that require GL-4 and use GL-5. Probably prudence says to go with GL-4 if it is specified.

Towncivilian · Dec 25, 2011

Originally Posted By: Ken2

Keep in mind that GL-4 is an obsolete spec, and that modern additives used to make a GL-5 gear oil are not harmful to the yellow metals in transmissions. If the label says the oil is OK in transmissions, it probably is OK.

Well, that makes things confusing again. I posted this question in regard to its potential use in a Nissan FS5R30A 5spd transmission in a '94 Hardbody. The FSM specifies GL-4, and there have been horror stories of gold flaked fluid draining out when GL-5 is used in this transmission. I would rather err on the side of caution and use a GL-4 fluid such as Redline MT-90 or Amsoil MTG.

bmwtechguy · Dec 25, 2011

For as little gear oil as is needed to change it out and not very often, I would also go for the real juice mentioned above and stay away from GL5 in a manual gearbox unless just temporarily or quick flush, or all that is available.

NHGUY · Dec 25, 2011

GL5 was always frowned upon due to the "upgrades" made to it that elevated it over GL4.Synchros couldnt take the additives over the long haul.I dont know if any changes have been made to "tame" GL5,but I would frankly stick with something like Redline manual trans fluid thats rated proper.

aquariuscsm · Dec 26, 2011

GL5 will give your tranny very poor shifting quality. You`ll grind/crunch gears.

Bror Jace · Dec 30, 2011

Gear oils with GL4 on the label aren't THAT hard to find ... Chevron 80W-90 is one. I believe Lubro-Moly 75W-90 is another and that brand is available in NAPA stores around here. Coastal used to put GL4 on their label (along with MT-1 and other certifications). Of course, you can always go mail order with Amsoil and Red Line Oil gear oils, though they are a bit pricey ... but you don't need too much and don't have to do this very often. Safest bet is to take your time and source a GL4.

Lead Shoes · Dec 31, 2011

I was at Napa yesterday, I looked at the one they had on the shelf, it said GL-3 GL-4 GL-5 on the back for certifications, seems to be a one lube fits all type, I would pass if your transmission/diff specifically wants GL-4.

Bror Jace · Dec 31, 2011

If it says GL4 on the back, go with it (regardless of other certifications).

aquariuscsm · Jan 1, 2012

Just get either Amsoil MTG or Redline MT90. If you use a generic "gear oil" the shifting quality will be horrible. You want the manual tranny-specific add pack,not the rear diferential add pack. When my friend did a twin turbo motor swap in his Z32,he got everything bolted back up and realized he`d forgotten to fill the tranny,and just filled it with a generic GL5 80W90. Shifter was super hard to move and it would grind every gear.

Vikas · Jan 2, 2012

When the mechanic replaced the axle on 2000 Maxima manual transmission, we lost at least a pint or more of GL-4. The mechanic asks me, "wow that is very clean fluid, when did you last change it?" My answer, "Never; that is factory fill!" The car has 172K miles. Is there a place where I can relinquish my BITOG card? :-) - Vikas

cancov · Jan 4, 2012

Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm

Just get either Amsoil MTG or Redline MT90. If you use a generic "gear oil" the shifting quality will be horrible. You want the manual tranny-specific add pack,not the rear diferential add pack. When my friend did a twin turbo motor swap in his Z32,he got everything bolted back up and realized he`d forgotten to fill the tranny,and just filled it with a generic GL5 80W90. Shifter was super hard to move and it would grind every gear.

+1, Amsoil was the only quality MTF I could find for my '86 B2000 which also spec'd for the GL4. Previous fills were with generic Rotella 80W90 Gear Oil. As soon as the new fluid was in, I could tell a dramatic difference in the shifting from pulling it out of the shop. A very smart choice.

Is this NAPA gear oil GL-4?

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