Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2003 09:57:16 -0600
Reply-To: John Rodgers <j_rodgers@CHARTER.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Rodgers <j_rodgers@CHARTER.NET>
Subject: Re: calling redline lube heads
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed
From Redlines literature regarding MT-90 - "good shift ability, and
synchro compatability and extra gear protection."
When I got my 88 GL, I had shifting problems from day one.
On tear down of the tranny, my tranny fluid was filled with really fine
brass particles to the point of appearing golden in color. According to
my repairman, this was a synchro problem.
I had a noisy tranny - it would "sing" going down the highway ... a lot
like big trucks that have a worn ring and pinion gear. When my tranny
was torn down, there was an abnormal wear pattern on the ring and pinion
that was clearly displayed. Source of the singing.
After a considerable discussion with the mechanic, I opted to have the
synchro components repaired, but not to replace the ring and pinion
gears as it was the experienced opinion of the mechanic that the repair
that was done, combined with my choice of new gear oil, would resolve
the biggest part of the ring and pinion problem.
So, I opted for what appeared to me as the best of the best - both
from the Redline literature and the historical perspective as gleaned
from "The List". I put in the Redline MT-90 to deal with any future
"shift ability, and synchro compatability and extra gear protection"
issues.
I have not regretted it.
One final point. Somewhere, I have read there is a problem with some
gear lubes causing problems with the synchros in these manual
transmissions. The collected positive experiences of the members of
this list had a strong impact so far as my going to the MT-90.
Regards,
John Rodgers
88 GL Driver
TJ Hannink wrote:
>--- John Rodgers <j_rodgers@CHARTER.NET> wrote:
>
>
>>>2) if i get mt-l(gl-4) instead of mt-90(gl-4) any
>>>
>>>
>>problems or is it ok?
>>
>>
>>If you have a manual Tranny -- do yourself a favor -
>>get the Redline MT 90.
>>You are going to find that on this list there are
>>some things that long
>>experience has proven over time on these vans.
>>Redline MT-90 for the
>>tranny will elminate a lot of shifting problems,
>>especially in cold
>>weather.
>>
>>
>
>I have been using MTL in my transaxle for almost 3
>years, because when I called RedLine, that was the
>lubricant they recommended when I gave them the specs
>found in the owners manual.
>
>According to their product information found here
><http://www.redlineoil.com/redlineoil/mtpds.pdf>
>"MTL can be used in most manual transmissions and
>transaxles for both street and racing use unless the
>manufacturer requires the additional protection of an
>SAE 90 of the extreme-pressure protection of a GL-5."
>
>My owners manual recommends a Hypoid-oil SAE 80 or SAE
>80W/90 (Mil-L 2105 B or API/GL 4) lubricant for the
>manual transmission.
>
>Was the lubricant recommendation for the manual
>transmission changed for later vehicles?
>
>Thanks,
>
>
>=====
>TJ Hannink
>Goldibox - 1987 Vanagon Camper, Wolfsburg Edition
>Winter Park, Florida
>http://home.earthlink.net/~tjhannink/
>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wolfsburg_campers
>http://photos.yahoo.com/tjhannink [Vanagon] Album
>
>__________________________________________________
>Do you Yahoo!?
>Yahoo! Platinum - Watch CBS' NCAA March Madness, live on your desktop!
>http://platinum.yahoo.com
>
>
>