Date:         Thu, 3 Dec 1998 01:47:36 EST
Reply-To:     Jwilli941@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Todd Hill <Jwilli941@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Darrell's transaxle lubricant question- reply
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

 midwesty@MIDWEST.NET writes:

<<  was shopping for some manual transaxle lubricant and
found none that  was GL4.  I saw one that was GL3, GL4,
and GL5. one  stated  GL4 and GL5.   Most were GL5.  What
is the right stuff?  Is GL5 ok in an 87 manual transaxle? >>

Ah, the age old question.  I'd really recommend (strongly)
that you only use a GL4 rated synthetic in the 091-1 transaxles.
I saw too many problems with the GL5 petroleum based gear
oils in these boxes while working at the dealer.  GL5 can
contain some sulfur compounds which have been known
to corrode the brass that is used in the syncros.  VW fixed
that problem by switching to their GL4 synth (very good if
expensive stuff) and a moly-coated syncro.  I can only warranty
my 091-1 gearboxes if the customer uses a GL4 rated synth.
(Their choice of brands is OK.  Redline and Amsoil have given
 good service in the past at about a third the cost of VW's oil)

-Todd Hill
 VolksWerks Transaxles
 Olympia, WA