stupid question on tranny oil

[chris57]

does the tranny really take 20w50? I would have guessed a gear oil like 80w90 or straight 90

 

[drooartz]

What year car? (it is helpful to add that info to your signature so we'll know what car you're referring to).

Transmissions in 1974 and earlier for the Spridgets (with the A-series engines in 948 to 1275 size) all take engine oil -- so yes, 20w50. I run the same VR1 20W50 that I run in the engine.

 

[chris57]

Ahhh Yes. Year , make etc might help. 64 sprite with a 1275 in it. So I'm buying some 20w50 on my way home from work today.

 

[Member 10617]

I thought that Red Line MT-90 Synthetic 75W90 GL-4 was recommended for these transmissions.

 

[drooartz]

I thought that Red Line MT-90 Synthetic 75W90 GL-4 was recommended for these transmissions.

These transmissions originally call for standard motor oil, the same weight as used in the engine. (The MGB transmission is the same way.) I ran 20W50 in my old Bugeye (with ribcase 4-speed and 1275) and run the same in my MGB. That is what they're designed for.

 

[Member 10617]

I like the idea that I can run regular engine oil in my Bugeye transmission -- much cheaper than Red Line -- but am I doing any harm to the transmission in running the Redline? Would performance be improved with regular engine oil?

I ask because I still have a supply of Red Line that I would like to use up.

 

[drooartz]

I don't know about the Redline, though I've heard it's a good product in general. Don't know if it's a good substitution in an A-series transmission though. Someone else will have to chime in.

 

[Keith_M]

I have heard that Redline tends to leak more readily than normal engine oil, but I have no personal experience with it.

 

[nomad]

I used to run straight 50wt non detergent. Ideally a non detergent oil would be best since it allows contaminants to settle out rather than stay in suspention as detergent oil does. I had to special order the 50wt in a 5 gal pail. I'm out of it now and just running engine oil.

Kurt.

 

[SaxMan]

20W50 in my '69. No issues at all.