Naughty, naughty! My local nissan dealer fills their MTs with 80w-90 GL5...

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

10-04-2003, 09:25 AM

SkoorbMax

Senior Member

Thread Starter

Join Date: Nov 2002

Posts: 1,594

Naughty, naughty! My local nissan dealer fills their MTs with 80w-90 GL5...

I had the guy get a bottle of what they use for 2000 maximas with a manual transmission and this is exactly what he brought out: Pennzoil 80w-90 GL5. The manual clearly states 80w-90 GL4. I know of at least one experienced mechanic who puts in GL5 if GL4 OR GL5 is asked for, and obviously Nissan seems to think it's ok (or this dealer is able to get the wrong stuff cheap and they don't care).

Anyway I'm not so sure - I'm going to be sticking to GL4. The only synthetic stuff I can find locally (I'm in a big rush to do the change) is Mobil1, so I have to choose between that and probably valvoline dino juice for my manual transaxle fluid change

10-04-2003, 12:37 PM

IceY2K1

Fastest Fantasy Maxima Evar

iTrader: (3)

Join Date: Jan 2001

Posts: 16,245

GL5 superceeds GL4, ie it's better protection.

10-04-2003, 01:09 PM

SkoorbMax

Senior Member

Thread Starter

Join Date: Nov 2002

Posts: 1,594

There's a ton of threads around here that! Specifically in regards to undue wear on the synchros...

10-04-2003, 05:32 PM

spirilis

Supporting Maxima.org Member

iTrader: (2)

Join Date: Jun 2003

Location: New Market, MD

Posts: 3,236

Yes, GL5 typically contains a chemical which is harmful to Nissan manual transmissions; that's why GL4 is required for Nissans.

Don't buy fluids that are rated for both GL4 and GL5 either, because AFAIK they are no better... unless they SPECIFICALLY SAY they are safe for brass/soft metals (the synchros contain brass)

10-04-2003, 11:06 PM

Dave B

Not DAVEB the parts guy

Join Date: Aug 2000

Posts: 8,555

Quote:

Originally Posted by spirilis

I've been running GL4/GL5 for 4 years now. My 96 SE has 100K miles, 140+ 1/4 mile passes, and doesn't grind.

Dave

10-05-2003, 02:34 AM

MrGone

Supporting Maxima.org Member

iTrader: (30)

Join Date: Apr 2002

Location: 127.0.0.1

Posts: 40,646

a GL4/GL5 fluid is fine because it maintains the properties to protect the brass syncros from corosion. A strictly GL5 can cause a problem with the syncros in our tranny. Why not be on the safe side and make sure it is GL4 certified?

10-05-2003, 07:23 AM

SkoorbMax

Senior Member

Thread Starter

Join Date: Nov 2002

Posts: 1,594

Is there anywhere, besides pepboys (I hear), that is likely to carry a GL4 fluid? I called up advance auto parts and the guy assured me he had GL4s available. I went there and they were all gL5.

10-08-2003, 08:19 AM

iwannabmw

Senior Member

iTrader: (3)

Join Date: May 2001

Posts: 2,487

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkoorbMax

Is there anywhere, besides pepboys (I hear), that is likely to carry a GL4 fluid? I called up advance auto parts and the guy assured me he had GL4s available. I went there and they were all gL5.

It's hard to find a GL4 only gear oil.

Mrgone is right on track. GL5 lubes contain double the amount of EP additives that is required for the GL4 spec. Depending on which additives are used, a gear oil that is rated for GL5 may trash a GL4 transmission. This makes it imperative to double check if the dual rated fluid is safe for a GL4 transmission. This entails asking someone who really knows the products, not someone who works at an auto parts store.