Transmission Fluid?

JT FORD

Senior Member
I read that GL-5 oil should not be used in a BW Overdrive transmission .
GL-5 might damage the brass parts in the OD
. All I can find is GL-5, no GL-4 to be found in my town
Where do people find this old GL-4 or 3??
****** going back into car tomorrow and I need something to put in it!:confused:
 
Have a NAPA store, no TSC store close. I will call some tractor dealers and see if they have any. I,m sure both of my cars have GL-5 in them now..... I am having the ****** resealed and new gaskets to slow up the leaking. The fellow doing he work didn't think GL-5 would harm brass.
 
The fellow doing he work didn't think GL-5 would harm brass.

It is true that some GL5 suppliers claim "yellow" metal compatibility. But it is difficult to know which claims are true because they often claim "backward" compatibility. Backward compatibility is correct from a lubrication prospective but may or may not be correct from a "yellow" metal prospective. It is just safer to go with the GL4. If you understand how the additives work then you will see why it is an issue with "yellow" metal.
 
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I'll do some more looking tomorrow and see what I can find. Do have a NAPA and a O'Rillys.

As mentioned, NAPA either has or can get it:

One Gallon size's
StaLube GL 4
140
Part # SL2 4238

StaLube GL4
85W90
Part# SL2 4239
 
As mentioned, NAPA either has or can get it:

One Gallon size's
StaLube GL 4
140
Part # SL2 4238

StaLube GL4
85W90
Part# SL2 4239

Hi Everyone, KGS you may have had a typo. I think the number is SL24228 for the 140. I just screwed up and bought some online about an hour before you guys posted. Paid a bunch more because of the shipping, but calling NAPA lead to them saying they could get SL24229 (85-90) and SL2432 (85-140), they were clueless about the straight 140 which is plain as day on their website! Drat!

I found this to be an interesting read. It seems to explain the whole GL4 vs GL5 rating.

http://http://www.widman.biz/uploads/Transaxle_oil.pdf

Here's the link if the above didn't work: http://www.widman.biz/uploads/Transaxle_oil.pdf and it is an interesting read.
 
The Borg Warner electric overdive uses a roller sprag clutch in the back to allow the unit to freewheel. That and the bushings/blockers in the transmission (yellow metal) are the reason that mild EP was specified by FoMoCo. You can use GL-1, MT-1, or grade 100 SAE 50 aircraft motor oil but the motor oil can't have any TCP additives or it is worse than GL-5. I use Aeroshell W100 motor oil but NO PLUS(+) it has TCP for Lycoming engines. CRC/Stay-Lube is handled by many auto parts distributors including NAPA and they still package a GL-4 lubricant. Multi viscosity should be OK as long as it is GL-4 and it doesn't leak too bad.
 
Hi Everyone, KGS you may have had a typo. I think the number is SL24228 for the 140. I just screwed up and bought some online about an hour before you guys posted. Paid a bunch more because of the shipping, but calling NAPA lead to them saying they could get SL24229 (85-90) and SL2432 (85-140), they were clueless about the straight 140 which is plain as day on their website! Drat!



Here's the link if the above didn't work: http://www.widman.biz/uploads/Transaxle_oil.pdf and it is an interesting read.

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Hi Everone, I figured it out, I'm a little slow on the uptake. The SL24238 is gallon, SL24228 is Quarts.

KGS was completely correct in post #8.
 
Here's an email exchange I had with CRC/Sta-Lube this past April:


From: Petehoovie
Sent: Monday, April 18, 2016 9:56 PM
To: Technical Services <TServices@crcindustries.com>
Subject: Sta-Lube API GL5



"Hello,

I've been using your 'Sta-Lube 85-140 API GL5 Plus' gear oil in my classic cars (1934, 1937 and 1953 Fords). I've been told that API GL5 is corrosive to the 'yellow' (brass, copper, etc.) metals used in my transmissions syncros. Is the product I'm using safe to use in these old transmissions???

Sincerely,
Pete Hoovie"


"Good morning Mr. Hoovie,

All of our gear oils are yellow metal safe. Should you have any other questions please ask. Thank you for choosing CRC products. Have a great day!

Regards,

Scott Brownstein
CRC Technical Support
Phone: 800-521-3168
Email: techservice@crcindustries.com"
 
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"Good morning Mr. Hoovie,

All of our gear oils are yellow metal safe. Should you have any other questions please ask. Thank you for choosing CRC products. Have a great day!

Regards,

Scott Brownstein
CRC Technical Support
Phone: 800-521-3168
Email: techservice@crcindustries.com"

Be interesting to see what they are using for an additive. As I stated in post #7 several suppliers make this claim.
 
This is what I have found out. I went an oil company here in town and they told me that GL-5 has sulfur added to it and there wasn't any sulfur in GL 2,3,4. The sulfur, according to this company can damage yellow metals.

Mobile Oil has a produce called Tran HD-50 that is used by trucking companies. It has no sulfur and gets about the same thickness as 90 weight.
Its only available in 5 gal. pails.

I went to Bomgaards (fleet farm store) they had 2 gallon jugs CL 4 at $20.00
It was 90 weight.
Then I went to ORielly's and they had 1 gal. at $19.00, CL-4, weight 140.
That's what I bought, I wanted the heavier product even tho I had the new gaskets and seals install to avoid leaks later on. Tractor Supply might have a better deals?? How much was NAPA shipped in to you?:)
 
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NAPA here will order it free of shipping charges. Was $10 a quart. I have always been told NO GL5 in any synchromesh ******.
 
At spring Carlisle I asked the Amsoil dealer there about ****** lube and he said the dark amsoil GL5 was fine for my 39 gearbox? Was he wrong?
 
I think the issue is GL5 is backward compatible with GL4, but this refers to the lubrication properties. Almost all GL5 containers state that it is compatible with GL4 applications, but it is NOT compatible with the "yellow" metal. You would have to know what additives they are using to assure "yellow" metal compatibility. Some even claim "yellow" metal friendly, but without knowing what they are putting in it there is really no way to know. To me it is not worth the chance when GL4 is available.
 
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