Actually 90W gear oil is closer to 50W engine oil. I use synthetic 75W90
in my late ribcase gearbox without a problem.
Peter
----------
From: David Riker <davidr@sunset.net>
To: Charles D. Sorkin <cdsorkin@ix.netcom.com>; Spridget List
<spridgets@autox.team.net>
Subject: Re: Cluster gear
Date: Friday, 20 August 1999 16:20
Charles:
They are all noisy in 1st and reverse, part of the charm (and part of the
reason for 5 speed conversions). As for the confusion on oil weights
(somebody help me out with the specifics here, especially if I am wrong)
viscosity for gear oil is measured at a different temperature than engine
oil. 90w gear oil is approximately the same viscosity (thickness) as 30w
motor oil. Hence the suggestions that since the ribcase uses motor oil,
not
gear oil, go for the thicker stuff. It will make the transmission a little
quieter.
Also, sidebar note: don't ride with your hand on the gear shift lever. It
puts constant pressure on the shift forks in the transmission, and leads to
them prematurely wearing out. Symptom is popping out of gear.
----- Original Message -----
From: Charles D. Sorkin <cdsorkin@ix.netcom.com>
To: Spridget List <spridgets@autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, August 19, 1999 12:03 PM
Subject: Cluster gear
> Dear List:
>
> What is a cluster gear and why should I be concerned about it?
>
> Specifically, the Midget gearbox is noisy in 1st and reverse. My
original
> understanding of this is that the lack of synchromesh is responsible.
The
> gears run fine. But I saw on someone's Spridget inspection checklist
that
> loud gears can be due to a faulty cluster gear. What is the answer?
>
> In any case, I haven't yet had the opportunity to check/change my gear
oil.
> One of the reasons is that the stout-hearted souls of this list suggested
> that I should not use an oil heavier than 50wt, and that I would want a
> fluid that did not attack brass or bronze fittings. Yet one of the
> recommended fluids, Redline, which is available in the Moss Catalog,
> actually is specified as a 70wt oil. Help! I'm truly confused, but I'm
> also hopeful that a tranny oil change would quiet the gearbox.
>
> Regards,
>
>
> Charles
> '74 Midget
> cdsorkin@ix.netcom.com
> Bloomfield, NJ
>
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