Hi all
Just thought l would get the ball rolling on this topic. l use the Red line synthetic shock proof (light weight) in my transaxle, it is a bit pricie but l really like it. It will actually improve the change and in some cases a gear box that is a little crunchy it will help if not stop the crunching.
Shock Proof gear oil has a 40% lower coefficient of friction and 250% the load carrying capacity compared to conventional gear oil, which means that the metal to metal friction is greatly reduced.
Cheers Paul
Full noise – Fully sideways ;)
Paul, I like that redline product as well, and used to use it, but, I also found that Valvoline Duragear API GL5 75W-90 was just as good and cost half as much. In a gearbox that you are pulling apart every other raceday (and throwing away the oil) I thought that the Valvoline product was a better choice. They both help 2nd gear changes. This is specifically in reference to the 116 transaxle, however, I also use the same product in the 155's gear box.
jim.
Jim,
How compatible is that Valvoline transmission fluid with the transaxle LSD ?
It works fine with the 116 type LSD's - but you need to make sure that you get that specific API GL5 product and not the closely related and similarly named API GL4 products that Valvoline also make.
cheers, jim.
Thank you.
Have you ever had the occasion to use Shell XGO Gear Oil 75W-90 API GL5 Mil-L-21050. I am told it is also a good oil. If you have, what's it like compared to the Valvoline stuff?
Taking the advise about the redline gear oil, how many litres do the transaxles hold? I wanted to get the gallon bottle but they only have the small bottles at the moment and considering the cost, i dont want to keep stock. Regards Doug
Doing some research on the internet, opinions seem to be divided on Redline gear oil. Some people swear by it for Alfa gearboxes and some seem to believe that it gums up and leads to syncro damage. However it does appear that Redline 75/90 NS and not Redline Shockproof is the correct Redline oil to use in an Alfa transaxle.
Rob
Vin Sharp told me to use the Redline.
Rob, why do you recommend the 75/90, most people that i know use the lightweight shockproof . doug
Doug
I am only stating information that I have found on the net. Go onto the Alfa BB forum and do a search. Apparently Redline themselves dont reccomend shockproof for use on Alfa boxes.
Rob
just thought that i would post the answer about how much oil the transaxle takes = 2.85 litres
If you have the time to read 7 pages relating to transmission oil coolers and transmission fluids specifically for racing transaxles, you should go here:
http://alfagtv6.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=3477&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=gearbox+oils (http://alfagtv6.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=3477&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=gearbox+oils)
Bear in mind that on the recommeded oils list is a Valvoline product which is a GL-4 and it would appear from Jim Nielsen's earlier comment, not suitable for an LSD box but the GL-5 version is ok.
Please note:
The above lubricants are meant to be suitable for transaxles equipped with a limited slip differential which is a disc pack type. NOT ALL LUBRICANTS SUITABLE FOR OPEN DIFF. TRANSAXLES ARE SUITABLE FOR LSD TYPES.
Providing advice that certain lubricants are suitable for Alfa transaxles without further qualification is not meaningful enough.
Speaking to Vin Sharp today - he uses and recommends Redline Lightweight Shockproof oil and has yet to see any adverse effects.
Rob
I put Redline in my Alfetta in 2007. It was the Heavyweight grade and I changed over to the Lightweight in 2009. It is probably due for a change for this season
I haven't had any shifting issues and I think the Lightweight is probably better - but I am pretty easy on the gear changes.
One probably I had last year was jumping out of second gear. We kept on increasing the slotting on the gear change bracket (second gear is farthest away) and that dodge has worked.
I've been told that the real problem is end float and only a total gearbox rebuild with new bits will sort this out.
At the moment all my synchros are fine so have left well alone.
Regarding my gearbox history. Vin built it as a modded Twin Spark box with a 4.1 in 2000 and then rebuilt it in 2007 with new synchros, a 4.3 and a shorter 5th gear. I suspect that after such a life that replacing things like selector forks and possibly bearings is on the cards. I have a couple of spare gearboxes with bits so that shouldn't pose a problem.
I have put the redline lightweight shockproof in and will report back after next weekends FOSC meeting at Wakefield Park. Hopefully it wont be like it is today. Doug
Cant say how the redline performed as the gearbox has some problems that no oil will fix.
eeeyaaoooouch !
Sounds like you need some liquid gold to fix it...
After reading this thread I have just put the Redline Shockproof Lightweight into my 75 TS and have noticed a considerable improvement in the speed of the synchro even when cold. Fantastic and worth the bucks. I am going to do the same to the GTV once it is back on the road...
Thanks
All you do is hand over the cash, get it fixed and hide the receipt. Thats racing
Careful "Duk" your wife might be checking this thread!!!
Yeh, shes trying to work out whats wrong with the gearbox too!
Well, If you tell her it's the big nut behind the steering wheel, then she will understand your gearbox woes.
Aren't the simplest solutions always the hardest find !! Well done John. :D :D
Mate, if we start talking about nuts and gearboxes, there will be total confusion!
where can i get the red line oil ?
Try this
http://www.redlineoil.com.au/reseller-locations.asp#sa
I got myself a gallon of redline lightweight shockproof today at Bursons Shepparton. They were saying that they carry a very limited stock of redline products, but can get it in, although they had the lightweight on the shelf. They have a small number of customers that swear by it and won't use anything else despite the price. It was $159.70 for the Gallon.
If it will help with those second gear shifts as well as providing long lasting protecton without the regular changes of old diff oils, it will be worth it.
Darren.
hi all
i to am going down the redline path, but price wise i got it a heap cheaper, ive got it $140 local and $95 plus freight interstate (syd) and $100 plus freight(melb) now the one im going for is the super lightweight the 75/90w i think it is, now the guys will go even cheaper if you buy in bulk, (for the freighted ones)
also is one gallon enough to fill it to a good level or should i buy an extra quart
Quote from: Paul Newby on February 04, 2011, 09:57:36 AM
I put Redline in my Alfetta in 2007. It was the Heavyweight grade and I changed over to the Lightweight in 2009. It is probably due for a change for this season
I've been told that the real problem is end float and only a total gearbox rebuild with new bits will sort this out.
...
I suspect that after such a life that replacing things like selector forks and possibly bearings is on the cards. I have a couple of spare gearboxes with bits so that shouldn't pose a problem.
Only just noticed this - don't know much about gearboxes but I do know that on my alfetta the jumping out of 2nd and general sloppyness was fixed by just replacing the selector fork (actually by building it up with a bit of welding and grinding). Obviously if the whole box is sad its a good time to do more work than that - but if its otherwise good its not a big job to just do the fork.
Hey dehne, most guys run the lightweight and those that did use the superlight changed. I have always used the lightweight with good results as long as the box was good - refer previous post, It may save you some cash in the end. Doug