Originally posted by britannic
Chevron DELO Trans is another choice. Avoid any trans oil that has sulphur or phosphate additives in it, as they will trash the yellow metal synchros in no time.
err..... WRONG! Not all gear oils are made the same and this statement is just flat incorrect - a generalization. !
(by the way, the Delo Trans Fluid ESI technically is no better than other non factory fluids in that this is not rated API GL4 but is only a Eaton Road Ranger fluid and non-synthetic at that. The Eaton type fluids have no more load carrying ability than a straight motor oil by the way..... ) Here is a link to the product data sheet and it does not mention API GL-4 applications at all.
http://www.chevrontexacodelo.com/en/products/transmissionfluidgearoil/default.asp#
I've used RP MaxGear 75W90 GL4-GL5 rated oil for 8+years and 130K thousand miles with one oil change.
My NV4500 shifts as smooth as any I have seen or driven and better than the original Castrol Syntorq LT fluid as a factory fill.
Please don't make 'general' statements about things like this.
Yes, it is true that if you buy a 'budget' branded product such as those offered by the mass marketers (err, I mean major oil companies) you might run across some brands that would be detrimental to the synchronizers if the fluids were run past their useful life.
But many vehicle OEM's continue to recommend 'gear oils' in transmissions that use 'yellow metal synchronizers' and they do NOT have problems unless the owners never change the fluid.
I have drained many a Mazda RX3 or 7 transmission containing a EP gear oil and have yet to find any damage to the bronze synchronizers in the 4 and 5 speed trannys.
Many specialty manufacturer's of oils (such as Royal Purple, Redline, Amsoil, Shaeffer's, Torco, NEO, Motul, etc) make great gear oils that are a far better purchase and out perform the OE type fluid.
Having said that, if you are of the personality to fear the 'factory warranty issue' by using a non factory part (fluid in this case), by all means, use only the factory fluid and have only the dealer do the installation. Because if you don't, the dealer will claim you under filled, over filled, after filled (that's where you operate without oil and then remember to put it inOo. ), or lied about using the factory fluid.
Come on everyone - this is a very independent group of owner's (look at the upgrade signature lists) who tend NOT to follow the(lemmings) over the cliff.
Sorry - but I got on a roll on this with the outrageous generalization about yellow metal problems.
Cheers to all and have a great weekend!
