240sx GL4 vs GL5 fluid

General discussion forum about the 240sx, and a great place to introduce yourself to the board!
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sjbsuperman1425
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There is always someone asking what to use, not only in the NICO and Zilvia forums, but in RX8 and Triumph forums as well, as a few examples. So i've been doing some research and turned up some pretty convincing knowledge. So here are a few links with some information you may find interesting/helpful.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/...57073

http://www.macysgarage.com/myweb6/gear_lube.htm

im sure there are more sites out there, but im going to post these for now. Also, i haven't seen any transmission fail from GL-5, but then again, how many people have ever ran GL-5 after searching through the web? This is just to get some facts out there.

btw, i was told on a seperate thread the GL3/GL4/GL5 gear oils were ok for the trans.

http://www.noria.com/learning_...d=496

^^THAT IS THE BEST INFORMATION ON THIS SUBJECT!! PLEASE READ THIS!!!
Modified by sjbsuperman1425 at 6:27 AM 3/13/2009


scuba_steve91
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To play it safe, I listen to my FSM and use Amsoil GL-4 for my transmission. GL-5 is ok for differential though, I think.

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sjbsuperman1425
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i just got done looking over my FSM and it says GL4 for transmission and GL5 for diff. I'm just trying to get information out there on WHAT causes the deterioration of syncros..the GL rating is NOT responsible, which is what every thread makes people think when reading. Since most places dont have GL4 readily available, atleast where i live, i think its important to have a good understanding of the rating system and the reasons behind the hysteria.

n240sxfnatic
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Ive been using royal purp gl-5 for 2 years on my sr transmission, it still shifts the same as it did 2 years ago.

scuba_steve91
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Just searched this up.

" What happens if API GL-5 gear oil is used in an API GL-4 gear oil application?

API GL-4 and API GL-5 products typically use the same extreme pressure (EP) additive system, with the API GL-5 having about twice the concentration of a API GL-4. In service, these additives become active under extreme load and temperature when the protective oil film can be squeezed away. EP additives work by forming wear-resistant compounds with the metal of the gear tooth surface. As the gears mesh, these compounds shield the gear teeth from direct metal-to-metal contact that would cause wear and damage to the gears. If too little of the active additive is present, proper protection would be compromised. Too much of this additive could cause excessive chemical corrosion of the gear surface. If an API GL-5 gear oil is used in a application where API GL-4 gear oil is called for, chemical corrosion of "yellow metal" components may occur, such as bronze synchronizers, brass bushings, etc. This may lead to shifting difficulties or shortened equipment life."

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sjbsuperman1425
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"A GL-4 or, to a greater extent GL-5, lubricants can, if not properlyformulated, become corrosive to yellow metals if the lubricant temperatureexceeds 250 degrees F. The API recently came out with a new specification toaddress this possibility. It's called MT-1. You'll find that AMSOIL gearlubes all meet this new spec. therefore do not attack yellow metals. Twothings work in your favor if AMSOIL Synthetic gear lube is used. 1. AMSOILwill run cooler, reducing the possible high temperature situation. 2. AMSOILgear lubes meet MT-1, therefore will not attack yellow metal even if thetemperature does climb to this extremely high 250 degree mark."

i pulled this off another site. it seems to agree with one of the other sites i posted saying that the GL5 additives that start to eat away at "yellow" synchros are an acid that is only produced at a temperature of around 250*F or higher..from my research, it seems the difficulty shifter is due to the thickness or pressure additives (?) that are present in GL5 and are mostly during cold operation. Also, it seems the GL5 is better for the "drive it like you stole it" type driver as it protects more.

more information is greatly welcome, especially personal experiences.

S13_love
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This thread should be stickied....

*sigh*

If only i found this info a week ago.

I put GL-5 rated (my town sucks, they is no gl-4 rated oils here...im s.o.l anyways) gear oil in my transmission and diff...just saying that would of been a good thing to know this info before hand.

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sjbsuperman1425
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i wouldn't mind this being stickied.

MOST swear by Redline MT-90, although everything has some bad reviews. im running a multiple rated GL3/GL4/GL5 right now and it shifts fine right now. but im still on the edge...

http://www.benzworld.org/forum....html

^^post by "60th LCC"

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sjbsuperman1425
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well i had a link, but it wouldn't work. but it basically state that the Coastal GL3/4/5 gear oil is SAFE to use in our trannies as it doesn't contain a sulfur additive.

EVERYONE JUST STICK WITH THE GL4. it seems to be the best bet. if you are in need, i'd say you probably could get away with the GL5 for awhile, but if i were to run a straight GL5, it'd have to be a synthetic..but thats just me..

KEEP IT GL4 Biatches!! (ps sticky this n1gga!)

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mrgrape
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i thought GL4 was only for auto ....can anyone confirm?

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sjbsuperman1425
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mrgrape wrote:i thought GL4 was only for auto ....can anyone confirm?
use some type of ATF for auto i believe.

94_240sx
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I've heard nothing but good thing about Amsoil. People say it's better than MT-90.

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ZOMG.SR20
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amsoil is GODly im going to be putting it in after the breakin period

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blacksrjdm
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Very proud of you, would you like a metal?

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sjbsuperman1425
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blacksrjdm wrote:Very proud of you, would you like a metal?
please dont bring your immaturity from that other thread into this one.

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blacksrjdm
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Just doing the same thing that you two just did to me. prick.

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sjbsuperman1425
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blacksrjdm wrote:Just doing the same thing that you two just did to me. prick.
oook..? this is yet again another way of showing yourself off as immature, congrats! we'll just subtract 20yrs off your age listed

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servili007
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blacksrjdm wrote:Very proud of you, would you like a metal?
I think you meant medal dude

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blacksrjdm
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No metal like titanium...ect...Had to be vague for the undereducated. At least you got it.

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sjbsuperman1425
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well from my newly obtained knowledge, you MIGHT be able to get away with a GL-5 gear oil in our transmissions, but i'd still use the recommended GL-4 (im using Coastal GL-3, GL-4, GL-5 oil). I also dont think that the GL5 oil is "corrosive" and will eat away at your synchronizers. What it does is let the synchronizer slip to much when trying to apply the braking action to the blocking ring and cause excessive heat and scoring of the synchronizers braking surface. Hope that makes since.

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Wc240
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when in doubt, go with what the manufactures suggest. i find it kind of hard to believe that its that hard to buy gl-4. every autoparts place carry it, and about 90% of shops carry it. my shop got a new barrel in 6 months ago, and the only person to use it is me.

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sjbsuperman1425
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yup, always go with the manufacturers recommendation, preferably what it says in the owners manual ( That is ALWAYS right). But it is somewhat hard to find GL4 readily available. I have no idea why..

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ZOMG.SR20
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go to my Jiffy Lube, all we use for the most part is 80w-90 GL-4 ALOT of cars use it

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sjbsuperman1425
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maybe its just Michigan, or maybe I just haven't went to a shop to see if they have it haha. I'll actually look into it soon.

S133P3R
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just order it -AMSOIL thru nico is a good deal...thread to order:zerothread?id=464198

and heres a list of what to order... transmission is 2nd from the top. (*KA24E specifically) AMSOIL store -240SX KA24E/DE

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PEZi
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la la la.... o hai sl33py! thx for linking lol

jacob... GTFO you luuuube tech

S133P3R
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the deal is too good not to pass along to forum members -not too mention none of the major auto stores in my area carry GL4 oil, helped me tons. everywhere i ask people refer me to AMSOIL anyways, so it was meant to be.



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