• Hey Guest!
    British Car Forum has been supporting enthusiasts for over 25 years by providing a great place to share our love for British cars. You can support our efforts by upgrading your membership for less than the dues of most car clubs. There are some perks with a member upgrade!
    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Upgraded members don't see this banner, nor will you see the Google ads that appear on the site.)
Tips
Tips

Gearbox Oil

Share this page

D

DJThom

Jedi Hopeful
Offline
Hello All:

what are people using for gearbox oil? Does the manual state what type to use? I can find the capacity, but not the recommended weight/type.

By gearbox is pretty loud when I'm driving. Maybe that's just normal, but I have no reference to compare with so I want to take any necessary precautions.

thx
Darren
 
Motor oil in the MGB, 80W gear oil in the Elan. 80~90W works fine.
 
/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbsup.gif
 
Though should it be GL4 (lower sulfur)80W? What you buy at the auto parts store is typically GL5, with more sulfur, that helps the surfaces slip, but will eat any brass in the 'box. Not sure if this is an issue with the Elan 'boxes, probably worth checking the manual.

In an overdrive 'box, folks often run 30W non-detergent motor oil. This is what I have in the TR and works well.

But like politics and religon, seems everyone has a different view on oils.

Rob.
 
The "Official" workshop manual calls for a straight 80W gear oil, using GL4 80~90W would be the better choice. The box is a Ford unit with a gearset Lotus required. Three of the synchro rings are brass, IIRC.
 
Dr E

Ya ever try Redline MTF?

I went back to 20-50 in my MGA box after I was having second to third problems. (speed shifting)

But...I've heard some gearboxes really like it.
(and I didn't have any problems with it going past the seals)
 
Back
Top