NikaL

I've been using Red Line MT-90 for 3 years now. But my tranny died. Not because of the oil. Bearings went out, most likely preload was wrong. I'm getting a new tranny (20th anniverasy w/LSD) and want to use something that protects better. I've been reading good things about Amsoil and I see people use Series 2000 Synthetic Gear Lube. But, i'm confussed because 5th gen tranny requires GL4 grade gear oils. 2k series is GL1-GL5. Would this oil be ok? Will it damage syncros?
Also, any sugestion where can i buy regular GL4 grade lube. I need it for first 100 miles to break in the tranny
Thanks
Nik

nicks79

iTrader: (4)

REDLINEOIL.COM has a list of dealers where you can buy. GL-4 is pretty hard to find. Pepboys and Autozone don't have it. And 2000 maxima uses only GL-4, nothing else. Just put in MT-90 and what a difference after driving with wrong lub for a week.

ajahearn

iTrader: (3)

I thought that transmission oil API's worked the same as motor oil, which is to say that higher ratings can be substituted for lower ratings. So in this case although GL-4 is specified, GL-5 is acceptable. I would really like to know if this is not true as I was planning on changing my 6spd MT (w/out LSD) this coming weekend and I bought the GL-5 stuff.

All I could find on ratings indicated that GL-5 has some special properties for LSD transmissions. The article did say that substituting something different when GL-5 was required could result in damage. But that would make sense as there is no GL-6 (at least none listed).

NikaL

Not sure about 6-speed, but 5-speed has bronze syncros. GL-5 has corosive agent and eats up sofl yellow metals. NOT GOOD.
Also, nicks79 thanks, but I know where too get Red Line. I've been using it for 3 years. go to www.myoilshop.com. What i need is conventional gear oil. You're not supposed to use syntetic oils when you break in trannies or engines. at least that what mechanic told me once

Progress

iTrader: (26)

PM "iwannabmw" he sells it, that is where I got mine. BTW, I feel almost no difference in shift feel over stock fill. Whether there is less damage or not, I don't know.

spirilis

iTrader: (2)

Yes, do NOT use GL-5 in a Nissan tranny. It contains a sulfur-based compound that will corrode the synchros.

I believe Amsoil Series 2000, while it is GL-5 compliant, does not contain this sulfur-based compound for whatever reason (Amsoil's fluids are generally engineered well, so they probably found a substitute that works better)

Redline MT-90 is very well suited.

Progress

iTrader: (26)

This corresponds with the info iwannabmw gave me.

spirilis

iTrader: (2)

I am not 100% sure if this rule of thumb applies to ALL manual transmission Nissan vehicles, but every model I've read in any depth seems to follow this guideline (NO GL-5 due to brass synchros)

ajahearn

iTrader: (3)

I got this from my brother. It appears that the GL-5 stuff can be very hazardous to your MT. It's interesting to note that there is a redline GL-5 that is okay (I'm not sure how as it seems like the very additives at issue are the ones that cause problems).

ajahearn

iTrader: (3)

Forgot to add the link. http://www.ultimatesubaru.net/forum/...p/t-15000.html

spirilis

iTrader: (2)

It's some kind of sulfur-based additive that does the trick. Most oil manufacturers use it for a certain purpose (extreme pressure tolerance of some kind maybe?), and this compound is probably the best, or at least cheapest, for the job. But some oil manufacturers, e.g. Amsoil and maybe Redline, have found formulas that meet the spec without using that compound. It's just that 95% of the GL-5 gear oils out there probably have it in it, so as a rule of thumb, you don't use GL-5 at all.

kingrukus

iTrader: (41)

Im using it and it is GL2 thru GL5 rated...hasn't eaten anything yet (hopefully)

haysdb

FYI, the AMSOIL Series 2000 gear lube is being replaced with a new product, Extreme Gear, which is GL-5 only, and not appropriate for our Maximas. If you want the Series 2000, move quick before stocks are depleted.

AMSOIL does have another GL-4 gear oil, ALU (also known as AGT), which is labeled as "marine gear lube", but is also "auto spec GL-4". Link to product page.

kingrukus

iTrader: (41)

Oh crap....

Does anyone know the shelf life on this oil? I am thinking of buying another set and then having it sit for a year or 2.

talkinghorse

iTrader: (121)

The oil has an indefinite shelf life...it won't go bad if kept on-hand. I have checked some of the AMSOIL Product Centers for customers, and as of last week, they had some of the Series 2000 remaining. In case you didn't know, there is a Product Center in Toronto..recommend you give them a call and see if they have any left in stock.

kingrukus

iTrader: (41)

Thanks for the information. I have visited an amsoil dealers in Missisasuga ON Canada, and I may be purchasing another set through them.

JSutter

iTrader: (46)

all i can find locally is Series 2000 Synthetic Gear Lube 75W-140 Product Code: TGO. Will that eat my syncros? http://www.performancemotoroil.com/S...r_Lube_75W.htm

Jeff92se

iTrader: (82)

Here is how you find out:

1) Find out what GL rating your tranny specifies
2) Look at the link you provided and see if this meets the GL rating your tranny requires.

MrGone

iTrader: (30)

Amsoil 75w90 is GL4 certified

JSutter

iTrader: (46)

yes i can read gl2 through gl5 BUT i wanted to know if it had the "bad" additive that eats yellow metals. No one has talked about the TGO.

From what i can see its the same as TGR (75W-90) but with a higher temperature range and viscosity.

Jeff92se

iTrader: (82)

If it's rated gl-4, then it's okay. But you want to make 100%? Give those guys a call and see what they say. ie.. Amsoil tech service. That's better than relying on anyone's opinion here. Then you can report back to us.

JSutter

iTrader: (46)

hmm, good point. i'll do that

JSutter

iTrader: (46)

Straight from the email:

To: Jon Sutter
From: AMSOIL Technical Services

Thank you for contacting AMSOIL with your concerns.

In response to your inquiry, in applications such as this that request an API GL-4 rated gear lube, we suggest the use of our AMSOIL Synthetic 80W90 Gear Lube (AGT).

AMSOIL Synthetic 80W90 Gear Lube (AGT) is sold in gallon size containers and larger. If more convenient, our AMSOIL Synthetic 80W90 Lower Unit Gear Lube (ALU) may also be used. It is available in smaller containers including quarts. It may be used in any application that AGT is used in. These are both straight GL-4 products.

The 75W140 is not recommended – too heavy.

Thank you again for the opportunity to respond to your concerns. As always, please feel free to contact us again if we can be of further assistance.

Sincerely,
Jim Van

AMSOIL Technical Services

So the Series 2000 Synthetic Gear Lube 75W-140 Product Code: TGO is a no go.

Jeff92se

iTrader: (82)

Nice info. I'm going to guess it's the 140weight and not the rating that prevents them from recommending it.

Mizeree_X

iTrader: (9)

I bought that marine gear lube, and didn't like it. In cold weather, it got very viscous and made shifts difficult. I have since put in MT-90 and love it.


I actually have a jug of the marine lube, about ~3 qts left if a local guy wants it as a quick fix.

JSutter

iTrader: (46)

I said F it and just got Mobil 1 synthetic cuz its available local.

spirilis

iTrader: (2)

Mobil 1 synthetic GL-5 I don't think is safe for Nissan trannies... how does your tranny feel?

PS, adding to the discussion... the other day I switched my tranny to Amsoil Series 2000 GL-5 75W-90. I believe I read somewhere that this is actually safe, despite the GL-5 rating. Anyway, I am impressed. First thing I noticed is that the car seems to "roll" easier, or at least maintains its momentum a little better than the old Redline MT-90 I had in there. Shifting wasn't any better or worse at first, but now I think it's becoming a little smoother. The most important thing I noticed is that the car seems to soften out small "jerks" (e.g. from clutch operation) somewhat, making the general experience of city/town driving less annoying. It's kinda hard to explain, almost as if the oil is absorbing shock better than the old MT-90 did or something. I am thoroughly impressed.

JSutter

iTrader: (46)

i have not added it yet. IM doing the clutch thanksgiving, so it will be put in then. According to http://www.forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=225766
the Recommended Gear Oils include:

Amsoil TGR Series 2000 75W/90
Redline MT-90
Mobil 1 75W/90 Synthetic Gear Oil

Redline MTL (for extreme Northern climates, Canada area, etc.)

so I should be good. If someone can prove Mobil 1 is no good, I'll get the MT-90 (though I really dont want it). I would like the Amsoil but i cant get the stuff locally and it really bugs me.

DAVE Sz

iTrader: (2)

I have a gl4 marine lube and I like it. It's been in the 20s here already and it's very smooth. At first there is some notchiness but I think it's clutch chatter or rbad allignment.

spirilis

iTrader: (2)

Huh. I didn't know Mobil 1 75W-90 synthetic gear oil was acceptable. Let me do some google searching, I thought I read somewhere that Mobil actually informed someone that it will cause corrosion...
If Mobil 1 is acceptable, then I might have to try it someday to compare. I've always been hesitant to change my gear oil because I was too lazy to order the stuff online, although recently I found a local Amsoil dealer so I purchased my Series 2000 75W-90 through them this past week. (probably not at the best price, but I was in the mood to change the gear oil so I did it)

JSutter

iTrader: (46)

if you find thats its not good I will take it back and buy something else. I have an amsoil catalog, Napa sells it, but they didnt have what I needed. I said screw it an bought the Mobil 1. I may just get the MT-90 if the Mobil is junk.

Jeff92se

iTrader: (82)

Mobil 1 = GL-5 = will eat up your synchros in a hurry.

spirilis

iTrader: (2)

Amsoil Series 2000 75W-90 is GL5 too... but I thought it was acceptable? Either way, my shifting feels a tad better with it in there...

talkinghorse

iTrader: (121)

AMSOIL Series 2000 75w-90 gear oil is rated GL-2 thru GL-5, so it is safe to use in our GL-4 applications.

JSutter

iTrader: (46)

are you sure the Mobil 1 synthetic has the bad additive? gad damn it IF it does I will get the redline MT-90.........