With all the controversy about the newer GL5 oils causing problems with
brass, I just can't buy it. (donning flame retardant suit) I just finished
completely rebuilding a world class Borg Warner T5 - 5 speed that will be
going into the V6 Spitfire to replace the aging T4 - 4 speed. The T5 has
carbon fiber synchros on 1 thru 4 gears, but guess what. Number 5 is
regular old brass, same as used in the old Triumph boxes. I seriously doubt
that GL5 would be recommend for use in these transmissions if there was a
problem with compatibility. As for copper as used in the rear end thrust
washers I can't say (still doubtfull) and as for overdrives I suspect it's
that the new GL5 and synthetic oils are TOO slippery for proper operation,
not that they will degrade materials used in these transmission/rear ends.
Just my own personal observations lead me to believe that if there was any
danger, the manufacturer would place a warning on the bottle stating these
oils may cause material failure in older transmissions requiring GL4, or
transmissions with brass, or copper components. There is a liability
question that most manufacturers, I would think, would not want to tackle -
for me, I'll utilize the advantages of the newer oils.
Barry Schwartz
Bschwartz@encad.com (San Diego)
72-V6 Spitfire (daily driver)
70 GT6+ (when I don't drive the Spit)
70 Spitfire (body repair almost done)
|