GL-5 no no

Old Henry

Old Henry

Well-known member
Maybe I am the last one to learn this but I just learned not to use GL-5 gear oil in our old transmissions as it has additives that can cause more rapid deterioration of the soft metals in them. Here's a very definitive treatise on the subject that is very educational and insightful: http://www.widman.biz/uploads/Transaxle_oil.pdf
 
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Re: Gl-5 no no

Not sure how you have missed it as GL5 vs GL4 or EP has been one of the more frequent topics on the Barn for years.
 
Re: Gl-5 no no

Old Henry said:
Sorry I brought it up. I'll see if I can get this thread deleted.
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On second thought, maybe not. It could be that at least one of the 147 that have read this thread so far had missed or ignored this information as I had and might benefit by it.
 
Thanks for posting still learning (try to learn something everyday, remembering is another topic) . Thanks!
I digress,Think we have it tough!
The Covered Wagon - Oregon Pioneers
www.oregonpioneers.com/wagon.htm
The covered wagon used to cross the plains to the west was a smaller, ... Waterproofed with paint or linseed oil, the top was of heavy duty canvas, ... Hanging from the rear axle was the grease bucket, filled with a mixture of animal fat and tar. Used for greasing the axles and hitch.
 
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I have read all of the above and links. Now, someone please tell me what brand, type and location to purchase commonly the correct trans and rear end lube.
 
jimTN said:
I have read all of the above and links. Now, someone please tell me what brand, type and location to purchase commonly the correct trans and rear end lube.
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GL-5 is not bad for rear end as there is no yellow metal there so any off the shelf gear lube will do. I use Valvoline 85W-140 from AutoZone or O'Reilly's for year 'round use.

NAPA carries Sta-Lube 80W-90 GL-4 on their shelves (in gallons only) for the transmission.
 
I bought a 2gal jug of 90wt from Rural King today, it did not reference gl4 or 5 and was $19.00. Will have to dig deeper to determine what is in it as it was not listed like normal oil jugs but did say extreme pressure lub.
 
jimTN said:
I bought a 2gal jug of 90wt from Rural King today, it did not reference gl4 or 5 and was $19.00. Will have to dig deeper to determine what is in it as it was not listed like normal oil jugs but did say extreme pressure lub.
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It's most likely GL-5. GL-5 is common, GL-4 is not common. GL-5 is high EP & GL-4 is much lower EP.
 
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I am glad this is being covered again, I need to go look at what i put in my trans when I swapped gears. I think i looked for GL-4 but now i'm not sure.
 
I picked up gl- 4 the other day. Got it home and realized it is 90wt. Will this be ok in trans? Reading recently, seems like it will just leak out faster...
 
The 40 owners manual says to use SAE 90 in winter and sae 140 in summer.
Not sure how cold winter gets in OR but I would think 140SAE would be safe to use all year round.
 
Those of us that have Columbia and Ruckstell two speed rear ends are concerned about brass because both types of rear ends have brass in them.
 
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