Nissan MTL recommendations

[LarryR]

Hi all,

I have been a bit confused by all the mtl's out there and I am hoping you can help.

My understanding is that the trans in my 93' 240sx uses brass syncros so GL-5's are bad for it, but other than syncromesh the only thing I can find locally that is even listed as GL-4 compatible is coastal and I'm not sure that its actually even safe for yellow metals.

So my question is this, what is readily availible for it and safe? For now, this car is going to be used for general driving.

As for performance mtl, I have heard lots of good(and sometimes bad) things about MT-90 in these transmissions. While many people report that it works perfectly, others report grinding due to it not working just right with the syncros. What would you recommend to correct this? Maybe a mix of MT-90 and MTL? I ask because eventually this car will become a 24 hours of Lemons racer.



Thanks for the help. I have been reading on this site for a while now and I am amazed by the depth and quality of the information here. Keep up the good work!

~Larry

 

[unDummy]

Redline MT90 and Amsoil MTG are excellent choices.

GL4 75w85 is what Nissan is using now. Hyundai/Kia also have a GL4 75w85. Ford's XT-4-QGL, XT-M5-QS, XT-75W90-QGT are some more options. You can probably find some GM/Chrysler/otherbrand(syntorq/syntrans) equivalents too.

You can use the GL5. Just make sure it doesn't have any LSD additive and don't use it over 30k miles. Coastal, Stalube.... are some choices that might help. If the gear oil says for "top off" only with limited slips, or LSD additive is needed, or not for LSD usage, then it probably isn't pre-blended with any LSD additive and should work well enough in a manual.

The issue with GL5 in manuals is severely over-hyped.

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/mtg.aspx
http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=46&pcid=7
http://www.warrenunilube.com/gearoils.html
http://www.crcindustries.com/ei/content/prod_detail.aspx?PN=SL24239&S=C
http://www.fcsdchemicalsandlubricants.co...mission%20Fluid
http://www.fcsdchemicalsandlubricants.co...mission%20Fluid
http://www.fcsdchemicalsandlubricants.co...ansaxle%20Fluid
http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=47&pcid=7
http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/agl.aspx

Many marine lower end outboard type gearboxes use GL4 SAE90 and so the local marine supply is another option for gear oils. And, truck stops have SAE50 gear oils for manuals that also can be used.

 

[LarryR]

Thanks for the info.

So as long as it does not have LSD additives it won't corrode the brass, or at least not enough to matter?

Would syncromesh be fine viscosity wise for a hold over? Its cheap, available, and fine for yellow metals. I'm in the mountains so its going to be cold soon.

 

[unDummy]

No, lack of LSD additive usually will prevent notchy shifting as the additive causes slip.

Corrosion is caused by excessive heat, moisture, and fluid usage. So, as long as you change your gear oil ever 2-3yrs or 20-40k miles, you won't have a corrosion issue.
Heat caused by being under-filled or overstressed.
Moisture is caused by using your car as a submarine.

 

[aquariuscsm]

Grab a few quarts of Nissan MTF and see how it works.

 

[LarryR]

Let me get you guys to expound just a bit more on the yellow metals thing, still a bit confused on that. Will any GL5 harm yellow metals, or will only GL5's with LSD additives harm yellow metals, or is the yellow metals + GL5=bad thing I keep hearing Bumpkis?



I may try the nissan stuff if it is cheap enough. If not, i'll grab syncromesh if nothing else. For right now I just need a good daily driver fluid, i'll switch to MT90 or amsoil before next fall.

 

[MolaKule]

The Nissan fluid shown above IS a synchromesh fluid. Try the Nissan fluid or the Asmoil MTF for starters, which are both MTF specific fluids.

The Ford products mentioned above are worth trying as well. You may have to experiment to see which one 's the Nissan prefers. My experience with Nissans is they like the mid-viscosity fluids.

The Pennzoil Synchromesh may be a bit too thin and the 75W90's such as Amsoil MTG and Redline MT-90 may be a bit thicker than what the NIssan tranny likes.

 

[mechtech2]

A litle bit thicker lube on that trans is OK.
Probably a very good thing.
The MTL: /Mt90 mix is superb.

 

[JohnBrowning]

50% MTL 50% MT-90 Redline all the way!

 

[LarryR]

Sorry for the thread revival...

Just wanted to say thanks for the info. Since I couldn't get Redline locally I used 75w-90 coastal(1.5 quarts) and 1 quart syncromesh. Its working fairly well but the syncros aren't always right on the money.

Come next year i'll do mtl/MT-90 mix. I think thats definitely the way to go on this older transmission.

Thanks again!

 

[aquariuscsm]

You can order MT90 online for about $9 a quart. I`d dump it and buy the Redline. I`d never use gear oil over an MTL.