Transmision oil

For better or worse I was told to put STP in the trans when we got the 30 model. It hasn't had any leaks and shifts fairly well, but I don't have another A to compare it to.
Dad was a firm believer in STP in the crankcase on an old motor, I've used it myself over the years for same reason.

I guess the drain test NKAMINAR suggested is as good as any unless you have access to a chemist. You said its thin...If it walks like a duck...its probably a duck.
 
I have not seen any factory document that indicates 600W as a lubricant for the Model "A" Ford. However, finally in the 1932 November Service Bulletin, on Page 76 Ford dedicates a whole page to "Lubrication Specifications" using SAE designated products. The bulletin states for "Gear Oil - Winter SAE 110** - Summer 250**.
**Due to the overlapping viscosity for gear oils SAE No. 90 can satisfactorily be substituted for SAE No. 110 when SAE No. 110 is not available. SAE viscosity No. 160 can be substituted for SAE No. 250 when SAE No. 250 is not available."
Also noteworthy is the 1932 Bulletin specifies, "Engine Oil - Winter SAE 20 - Summer SAE 40."

Lubricants today are greatly superior to what was available when the Model "A" was in production. In my locale, GL5 SAE 75W140 Gear Oil is readily available, so that is what I have been successfully using in the transmissions and differentials of my Model "A's" for many years & thousands of miles.
If you find that SAE 75W140 Gear Oil does not have enough viscosity for your technique of shifting (so it is difficult to shift gears without grinding), blend it with STP which is a viscosity improver.
 
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I don't find it hard to find 140 or 250. Been using them for decades.

I find 90 and the synthetics too light, at least for me.
 
I don't like the "one oil for everything" policy. I use corn head grease in the steering box. I use a standard rear end grease for the constant mesh reargears. (with a little STP, sorry guys, I believe in the stuff! ). And Lucas Hub Oil in the transmission. I think constant mesh and shifting gears should have different lubricants. Show me where I'm wrong! I'll listen!
Terry
 
Patrick L. said:
I don't find it hard to find 140 or 250. Been using them for decades.

I find 90 and the synthetics too light, at least for me.
Click to expand...


Patrick,

I just changed my differential oil with Bratton’s 600W because that was what I had on hand, but I’ll probably be looking for similar modern oil for my next differential oil change.

Where do you find what you use?


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Brattons 600W is 140 gear lube, from the website

This is a 140 SAE industrial gear lube. This product is the accepted oil for the old 600W oil. Transmission: 1 1/2 pint; Rear end: 1 1/2 pint; 7 Tooth steering box: 7 3/4 oz.; 2 Tooth steer. box: 4 1/2 oz. QUART BOTTLE.
 
shew01 said:
Patrick,

I just changed my differential oil with Bratton’s 600W because that was what I had on hand, but I’ll probably be looking for similar modern oil for my next differential oil change.

Where do you find what you use?


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Click to expand...




The differential really doesn't need a 'heavy' oil and any good gear oil such as 90 or 140 will work fine. I get what I use at the auto parts store.
 
lotsagas4u said:
Brattons 600W is 140 gear lube, from the website

This is a 140 SAE industrial gear lube. This product is the accepted oil for the old 600W oil. Transmission: 1 1/2 pint; Rear end: 1 1/2 pint; 7 Tooth steering box: 7 3/4 oz.; 2 Tooth steer. box: 4 1/2 oz. QUART BOTTLE.
Click to expand...




I've not noticed this before. I wonder if this is something the Brattons has started recently. It does say this/their oil is thinner than the original 600W. But 140 works just fine. Its what we have used in old transmitters since I was a kid. [ before everyone switched to 90.]
 
Patrick L. said:
I've not noticed this before. I wonder if this is something the Brattons has started recently. It does say this/their oil is thinner than the original 600W. But 140 works just fine. Its what we have used in old transmitters since I was a kid. [ before everyone switched to 90.]
Click to expand...


Hmmm… Here is what is on the bottle label that I have. I bought it about a year ago.

35e9440b81f1cbe047c6224d048ecb46.jpg



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Similar price for a smaller volume. Plus it’s synthetic—I don’t know if that would be more prone to leak or not.

Super Lube 54100 Synthetic Gear Oil ISO 150, 1 Quart Bottle, Translucent https://a.co/drOG0Aq


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As I said before, Different lubes for different jobs! I don't believe a dofferential Needs the thick oil that a transmission needs. A lighter oil is fine. However, when you are stopping the gears from spinning for shifting, heavier oil is needed. In all cases, an oil that won't leak out is needed. If you have ever taken the front of an electric drill off and looked inside, you noticed that the grease have been slung around the outside of the case and doesn't seem to be doing much good. This is why I like JD Cornhead grease. This grease is "Thixotropic" ( their word, not mine!) think it means, although it's a grease, It flows. Slowly but it moves on its own. It doesn't lay up around the case and not get into the steering gears, which are constantly being relubed with doses of fresh lubricant. The stuff is thick enough that it won't leak out of seals etc.
Terry
 
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