FAQ: O2J Transmission Oil Change

[apr2009gti]

Syncromesh is offered in two different types from Penzoil and I think GM. One of the types is just for Gl4.

Amsoil also sells a version of syncromesh.

[alomI wolleY iTG]

Quote, originally posted by ryker77 »

Syncromesh is offered in two different types from Penzoil and I think GM. One of the types is just for Gl4. Amsoil also sells a version of syncromesh.

Can someone go into more detail on this? And officially reconfirm this.

I have Pennzoil Synchromesh (yellow bottle from Autozone) in my car for over 25k miles with no issues.

[animaniac]

Yeah GM does a synchromesh fluid but HGB i think on the forum pointed out that it doesnt say if it's for a GL4 box but seeing as it's safe for brass synchros i would have thought so..

[atlaudispeed]

Quote, originally posted by groggory »

1.1) Oil Spec --GL4 is recommended --Do not use GL5 as it contains extra additives which will harm your trans. Also, the GL5 is too slick and your synchro relies on a bit of drag. Only use GL4 to ensure proper operation. --They make GL4 + GL5 compliant oils (these are ok) --Use only synthetics

You guys realize, Chevron Delo is not a synthetic? Just FYI. Whether it works or not is up for debate, but I just thought I'd point that out.

Quote, originally posted by Chevron's Web Site »

Chevron Delo® Gear Lubricants ESI® SAE 80W-90, 85W-140 Chevron Delo Gear Lubricants ESI (formerly Chevron Delo Gear Lubricants) are premium grade, multipurpose gear lubricants. Approvals include MIL-PRF-2105E, API Service Classifications GL-4, GL-5 and MT-1, Mack GO-G, GO-H and GO-J (80W-90). These lubricants are the only non-synthetic gear oils approved by Eaton and Meritor (formerly Rockwell) for 750,000-mile extended warranty service in axles.

[Nik S.]

Quote, originally posted by vw5 »

http://www.chevronlubricants.c...i.asp I noticed Chevron makes the DELO "gear" lubricant mentioned here but they also make a DELO "trans" fluid. Anyone know the diff or have tried either? Opinions? thanks

The GEAR oil is GL-4 spec, the TRANS fluid is NOT. You definitely want to use the Delo Gear Lubricant ESI 80w90.

Follow the link for details: Chevron Delo Website

[Geeked]

Finally located some of this Chevron Delo 80w-90 gear oil and I wanted to share my source for anyone else in the St Louis area.

Here's where I got it, and they keep it in stock:
Fischer Oil
433 Elm Street, Washington, MO 63090-2309
(636) 239-3555ý

I'm going to change out the fluid this weekend (oem is in there right now) and see how this stuff performs. Hopefully it's just as good as everyone say

[Geeked]

Now that the Chevron Delo is in the gearbox, it shifts like butter! Feels like brand new, and that's with 161,000 miles on car

Unbelievable what a difference this gear oil makes.

[jity86]

I just did this in my 2000 glx jetta, i used redline MT-90, I am very dissapointed. i changed the oil in my 90k mile car had a perfect shifting trans before and know it grinds 3rd gear pretty bad. it has the proper fluid level, guess ill have to try the delo.

[MarksManB]

I did a google search for Delo and have heard nothing but praise for the stuff, yet I can't find where to buy. I know it's marketed to commercial/industrial, but I'm seeing lots of people using it. Where are you getting it (besides the one shop in Missouri)??

[kelchm]

I did a google search for Delo and have heard nothing but praise for the stuff, yet I can't find where to buy. I know it's marketed to commercial/industrial, but I'm seeing lots of people using it. Where are you getting it (besides the one shop in Missouri)??

I'll second this. I'm having a hard time finding it, too.

[MK3NORTH]

Just put this in my 02J, have used it before on several 020's. It works wonders for getting rid of occasional grinds, and cold shifting is nearly as good as hot.

[CrypticApathy]

Ok so just to give me a piece of mind. I got GM Synchromesh # 12377916 for my mk4 03 1.8t.

Its safe to use right?

[kelchm]

I'll second this. I'm having a hard time finding it, too.

My local Napa can order it in at $9.20 a liter, but they have to order a whole case of it. Not sure if I'm going to go for it or not.

[2004srt4]

does anyone know how the Delo 80w90 stands up in the winter months. i have a 1.8t mk4 and just bought some from fischer oil. i live in northern jersey so winter isnt too crazy but it does get really cold sometimes.

[Bror Jace]

Guys, I thought I'd chime in here. It's been a few years since I last posted on this forum.

A few things: be careful of the word "syncromesh." It is used as a generic term as in any gear oil recommended for manual transmissions (typically GL-4 rated). However, it is also used to refer to some specific brand-name fluids such as the GM, Chrysler and Pennzoil synchromesh fluids.

When selecting a fluid for a given tranny, it is best to stick with a viscosity (below measured in centistrokes - cSt @ 100 degrees centigrade) that is close to the original manufacturer's specifications. As you can see, they vary GREATLY from ATF-thin fluids all the way up to 90 weight gear oils.

Manual Transmission Oil Viscosities:

ATF type: 6.0 – 7.5 typical
Honda MTF II 7.5 cSt
Royal Purple Synchromax 7.7 cSt

GM/Chrysler Synchromesh type: 8.5-10.0 typical
Torco MTF 8.35 cSt
Pennzoil Syncromesh: 9.08 cSt
Amsoil MTF (5W-30) 9.6 cSt
Red Line Oil MTL 10.6 cSt
Honda MTF I 10-11? cSt

75-85 Gear Oils: 12.0-12.5 typical
Specialty Formulations MTL-P 12.0-12.5 cSt
Castrol Syntorq 75W-85 12.0??? cSt
Nissan 75W-85 12.0??? cSt

90 weight Gear oils: 15-16.5 typical
Royal Purple Max Gear 14.5 (Published: 21) cSt
Amsoil MTG 14.7 cSt
Pennzoil GL4 75W-90 15.3cSt
Red Line Oil MT-90 15.6 cSt

I stumbled onto this thread while searching (again) for Chevron lubricants online. If I am able to find a retailer/wholesaler that will ship directly to me, I will post the contact information here.

2004srt4, any 80W-90 gear oil is going to flow rather poorly in below freezing temps. However, Delo also comes in a 75W-90 synthetic ... and that's the stuff I'm trying to find for my new S2000's diff.

[elio]

Friends, do you have comments or a review about the Motul MotylGear 75W-90 (http://www.motul.com.au/product_line...ox/gear09.html)? I am planing to do an oil change in my 02J EGY 5spd tranny. According to the manual it should use G50 or G51 75W-90 syntetic gear oil but I have read that VW OEM fluid are good but out there exist better options.
For the geeks, Motul MotylGear 75W-90 is 16.7cSt @ 100ºC and Motul Gear 300 75W-90 is 15.2cSt @ 100ºC and both are GL-4 & GL-5 approved. I take those number from TDI forums. There exist a nice thread about G52 tranny fluids.
Comments are welcome.

[Bror Jace]

I just bought a case (12, 1-quart bottles) of Chevron Delo 80W-90 for the rear differential of my S2000. (rated GL-4, GL-5 and MT-1). A case was the minimum order.

Of course, I don't need all 12 quarts for the diff of one sports car!

If you can't find it in your area, I'll sell off my excess quarts until they're gone. How about $9 shipped?

[elio]

Friends, if you want to know a little more about the different mistery manual tranny oils that VW uses take a look at this link, http://www.fuchs-europe.de/gear-oils-cars.html.

[animaniac]

Those fuchs oils are GL5 apart from the 75W gl4 one.

My gearbox went a few weeks back ran perfect and out of nowhere the 4th gear gave way when i was cruising up the highway.

That box did 177k miles the highest mileage gearbox i've owned.

Just had a recon box fitted by a local garage £500 for box plus £200 labour plus vat at 17.5% is £122 in flaming tax good job it went now and not after 1st jan 2011 because the tax goes up 2.5% to 20% that would have been an extra £18 you guys have it easier than us brits.

Well i've done a fair few miles on it so i thought i'd change the oil, just got some castrol syntrax from uk halfords on trade card for £10.39 per litre, castrol syntrax is a 75w/90 GL4 /GL5 part synthetic.

I was tempted to try the synthetic smx-s 75W/85 but in the past i've had crunching problems when hot possibley due to it being too thin 85 and too slick.

So i thought i'd go with the syntrax, i've had valvoline durablend in the 02J and that was from 123k til 177k so thats 123k on vw oil and 54k on durablend.

I'm pretty sure the durablend helped it to get the 177k, but i soppose the gears can let go at anytime due to the stress there under, at least the diff didnt go on me.

With regards to the extreme cold a 75W/90 oil will suit you good the 75W should flow better and cure possible stiffness / crunching when cold.

[elio]

Those fuchs oils are GL5 apart from the 75W gl4 one.

Our gearboxs should use GL4 oils, GL5 EP lubricants can produce some damage in the synchros due to it different additives.

I post my previous info due that exist many people, including me, looking for the best oil for our trannies. Also I need to know which oils are VW ones to compare it.

[mcgyver7923]

for Chevron Delo Gear Oil. It's a little slow to thin out, but held up very well on the track with many downshifts and fast upshifts.


Modified by genikz at 3:43 PM 3-28-2006

You still running this at the track? How has it held up? I use penzoil synchromesh and I'm on my second change after stock. No issues and the synchros seem to be holding up well. I'm not against a change, but so far soo good on penzoil synchromesh.

[groggory]

Just got my blackstone labs report back on the Lubro Moly 75W90 lube. Ran it for 30k miles in my O2J



End result. Not good. Don't buy this stuff (or my transmission is going out...we'll see)
Effective Viscosity: 75W90 ... 80W90

Refilled with Amsoil GL-4 75W90 MTG

[doctorvw]

To preface, this is for an '02 GTI 1.8t 5spd. The procedure will be very similar on an 02a, 02b, 02c, and 02d type transmission.

Note that for Mk5 Cars they changed the drain & Fill plug style. There is an updated tool you need to buy if you want to follow this procedure on the Mk5. Also, there may be slight differences in the under-engine plastic shields. The basic procedure is still the same.

Ok, a few questions I've pulled after a good amount of research...

1) What type of oil?
--BG Ultraguard 75W90 Full Synthetic, Part#750 (NOT #750A)
---This is reportedly sold as GM Synchromesh, Part#12377916
--Redline MT90 (Slow to warm up, but wonderful once it does)
---Use in Warmer Climates (0F +)
--Redline MTL
---Use in Colder Climates
--BG Synchroshift
--Royal Purple Max Gear 75W90
--Amsoil synth sae 75W90 MTG
--Castrol Syntec 75W90 GL-4
--Chevron Delo 80w90 (This is GL4+GL5 Boron Based, so it won't hurt your synchro. Many report this superior to everything)
--Specialty Formulation MTL-R info buy
---No known long term testing of this oil...please comment if you've used this

What has everyone been running in their 1.8T 5-speed lately? I'm trying to determine the best fill for mine, and it seems many people are having good luck with the VW standard G070 726 A2. What is everyone else running? I need something for severe winters (down to -20F).

Also, how do I find out my transmission code? I have a 1.8T 5 speed gas engine. Thanks.

[groggory]

I have amsoil 75w90 mtf. Not a huge fan... Kinda notchy.

Had vw fluid. Don't do it! The wear characteristics suck.

Had lubro moly. Wear characteristics suck.

Had redline mtl. My favorite so far.

[cbenjes]

I agree. MTL has been great to me. Had some grinding problems going into 1st with both my departed '99 TDI NB and its replacement, a '98 2L NB. Once I swapped out the transmission oil with MTL, the grinding stopped within a day on both vehicles. Some folks think MTL is too light. It's been perfect for me. Sure beats replacing a syncro.

[doctorvw]

I have amsoil 75w90 mtf. Not a huge fan... Kinda notchy.

Had vw fluid. Don't do it! The wear characteristics suck.

Had lubro moly. Wear characteristics suck.

Had redline mtl. My favorite so far.

Where are the wear characteristics from? I read through a big thread at TDIClub, and they seem to love the OEM VW fluid (the new one G070). Did someone send for a VOA?

I also see you're in Long Beach. Outside of weather paradise, how would this fluid perform in severe weather conditions? I've got a really bad winter coming up, and need something that will perform in it.

Thanks.

[doctorvw]

I have amsoil 75w90 mtf. Not a huge fan... Kinda notchy.

Had vw fluid. Don't do it! The wear characteristics suck.

Had lubro moly. Wear characteristics suck.

Had redline mtl. My favorite so far.

What about people who say that Redline MTL will give you better shifting but will shorten the life of the transmission. Some say that gear oils like Amsoil 75W-90 will give you notchier shifting but are better for the transmission. Do you have any advice on that point?

Sick ride, BTW.

[groggory]

Look in this thread. I have an oil analysis that says in short that vw trans oil fluid is hard on the trans. Not definitive, bit enough for me

Mtl is not good at first when cold, then gets great as it warms up.

Havent had amsoil long... Seems alright so far. I can bet this stuff will work well in the cold.

[doctorvw]

Look in this thread. I have an oil analysis that says in short that vw trans oil fluid is hard on the trans. Not definitive, bit enough for me

Mtl is not good at first when cold, then gets great as it warms up.

Havent had amsoil long... Seems alright so far. I can bet this stuff will work well in the cold.

The UOA for the VW fluid is no longer a working JPG. Also, that was probably the G050 or G052 oil. They are now up to G070 which people seem to love. There are a few threads at TDIClub where people really like it.

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=192534

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread...132884&page=39 - lots of love for the G070. It's an updated formula and is fully synthetic.

[groggory]

Updated with the new factory fill

[Geeked]

does anyone know how the Delo 80w90 stands up in the winter months. i have a 1.8t mk4 and just bought some from fischer oil. i live in northern jersey so winter isnt too crazy but it does get really cold sometimes.

My experience has been that it is super stiff in temperatures below 40 degrees F (to the point that it's almost impossible to shift for the first 2 minutes after starting the car). For that reason, I'm switching back to OE VW fluid.

[groggory]

My experience has been that it is super stiff in temperatures below 40 degrees F (to the point that it's almost impossible to shift for the first 2 minutes after starting the car). For that reason, I'm switching back to OE VW fluid.

I hear the new revision oe fluid is really good

[animaniac]

I may try some.

I use the castrol syntrax universal semi synthetic 75w/90.

My father brought a 2000 passat and the gears were notchy, mainly in 2nd and 3rd.

It engaged reverse smooth, when you allow the gearbox to slow before you engage reverse.

So we knew the clutch wasnt at fault, it was either an oil problem or a synchro problem.

I went to the local parts store halfords and it turns out the castrol have a new range new formula ''performance series'' gold coloured bottles.

They didnt have two bottles of the universal so i went for the fully synthetic, i have tried this in the passed and it did seem to cause crunching when hot.

But my father drives steady not much high rpms so i thought it wouldnt cause him any problems.

We had it put in and it engages the gear super smooth, it did feel better when he drove it first time, but it wasnt 100% rather like 80% but after a few days of driving it smoothed out and it's beeing great eversince.

[Geeked]

I hear the new revision oe fluid is really good

I heard the same, and if fact that's what I just switched over to today. I can't comment on how it shifts in teh cold, but in cool temps and after warming up, every single gear shifts exactly the same--a very slight bit of notchy-ness, but no grinding (this on an O2J gearbox w over 200,000 miles on it).

I'm hopeful that it won't be as stiff in cold weather as the Chevron 80w90 fluid was

[animaniac]

You've done well to make a gearbox last that long, i've had the rivets fail in the 020 at 160k i think well over 140k.

And the 02A lasted 155k 3rd failed and the 02j about the same but the 4th failed on that.

I can only seem to get the engines over 200k.