ok seriously, need super low temp gear lube!

[OdinsRageSS]

1990 suzuki sidekick with the 5sp manual.. When really cold, grinds into 2nd for awhile until drive 10-15 miles. Using fresh chevron RPM 80w90, but still grinds!

Any recommendations? I think maybe a good syn 75w90 will work, maybe I can try mobil 1 since it has MT-1 spec? (the transmission specs GL-4)

Or is there some sort of other mix or fluid i should try... chicago is getting below zero tonight and in the morning it feels like all the gear lube is almost solid in the morn lol.

edit--- i think i should try redline MTL? Its Gl4 rated and seems to be good for cold weather... any opinions? Where can I get the stuff for cheap?

[ January 17, 2005, 02:44 AM: Message edited by: OdinsRageSS ]

 

[Jelly]

If you do a search and look at the Sidekick message boards, you'll see those guys are running Mobil 1 75W-90 with no problems. Given it's immediate availability (should be able to pick up at local store), this would be my pick for you.

As you mentioned though, I believe the Redline MT-90 would be the best pick, but I don't exactly know where you can pick it up locally, or what you'll have to pay for it. Have an Advance Auto Parts in your area? Give them a call...they might just have it.

 

[OdinsRageSS]

i found a few trans shops in my town who carry redline, and I am going to call tommorow. If not, maybe M1, but the GL-4 GL-5 question is still up in the air?

 

[theguru]

Redline MTL or a mix 50/50 with MT-90.

 

[Quest]

Yes, strictly 75W90. Anything beyond that range will cause gear clashing esp. when cold. This is what being strictly used in all Suzuki dealerships (we used OEM Pennzoil Conventional-based formulated to 75W90)

I used 75W90 CT semi-sync/Walmart semi-sync in my 3-banger M/T box and it worked out great down to -38C

 

[Jelly]

That's right...I had a brain **** and completely forgot about all the lower cost 75w-90's out there. Doesn't SuperTech (Wal-Mart) make one? Should be much less expensive than the M1.

 

[Whimsey]

I'm pretty sure Advance Auto has Coastal synthetic 75W-90. If you have one near you give them a call. I seem to remember it was a lot less than Mobil 1's. For that matter Auto Zone or Pep Boys probably have somthing similar also.

Whimsey

 

[MolaKule]

If you need a full synthetic 75W90 GL4 with smooth shifting try our MTL-R.

The problem with most general OTC 75W90's gear lubes is two fold:

1. The viscosity is a bit too high and targeted for differentials.
2. The friction modification needed for smooth shifting is not there for manual transmissions.

http://www.specialtyformulations.com/index_files/Page457.htm