Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2000 22:08:20 -0400
Reply-To: Lawrence Johnson <larry_avery.johnson@SYMPATICO.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Lawrence Johnson <larry_avery.johnson@SYMPATICO.CA>
Subject: Re: 89 Syncro Westy Gear Oil???
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Mick, I'm not that up on hypoid oil. As I understand it, hypoids use sulfurs.
That why they smell the way they do. Like one of your famous volcanoes. Its the
sulfur that causes the trouble in the syncro transmission because there is brass
in there. The amsoil GL-4 synthetic is used in tractors and the lower end of out
board motors. I'll bet that if you check out these sources, you'll find what you
want. Synthetics are more important in the cold climates because they become
less thick at low temperatures. The small gain that you would have in your
climate probably doesn't warrant it. If you find a synthetic, use it but don't
fret if you don't. Personally, I would keep searching until you find a GL-4 of
the proper weight (see your Bentley) and stay away from anything with the words
GL-5 or hypoid.
I could very well be wrong here. This is not my area of expertise. Perhaps
someone else on the List could help here.
-Larry
P.S. I can only imagine what a blast it would be to roam around your island in a
Westfalia camper.
Mick Kalber wrote:
> Daryl/Larry...
>
> Am about to change the oil in the trans of my 89 syncro westy. My very
> trusted mechanic usually uses Valvoline 80-90 wt gear oil that is approved
> for GL-4 or GL-5 applications. Having read your notes (as well as most of
> this thread), I know I need GL-4. So, I guess this stuff is not OK? I know
> it's a hypoid oil though. Isn't that the point?
>
> Problem is finding Redline MT-90 in Hilo, Hawaii (the Big Island). Read
> "the middle of nowhere." I know you said you have it, but shipping from
> Seattle will be ridiculous, if even possible, eh? A hazardous material I'm
> sure.
>
> OK... since I wrote the above I have called three auto parts places... NAPA
> didn't know what I was talking about. ASC was helpful and had a straight 90
> weight gear oil, but it doesn't say on it whether it's for GL-4, GL-5 or
> what. The local VW dealership on the other side of the island (100 miles
> away - there isn't one here) carries only the same Valvoline 80-90 wt gear
> oil I mentioned that my mechanic uses. Now what do I do?
>
> Mick Kalber
> 89 Syncro Westy "Daddy-O"
> Tropical Visions Video, Inc.
> 62 Halaulani Place Hilo, Hawaii 96720
> ph. 808-935-5557 fax 808-935-0066
> hotlava@interpac.net
> www.volcanoscapes.com
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