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RE: SPIT OD

To: "'TR6 List'" <triumphs@autox.team.net>
Subject: RE: SPIT OD
From: Peter Zaborski <peterz@merak.com>
Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 14:56:51 -0700
> From: ArthurK101@aol.com [mailto:ArthurK101@aol.com]
> Sent: Thursday, February 11, 1999 2:31 PM
> 
> There was a "Notice to Dealers" in the '60''s on this issue.  
> We discussed it on the list about 6 months ago.  Don't have
> time right now to look it up again but I THINK it said to use
> engine oil (50W) in Laycock De Normanville OD trans.
>   Anyone??

This is an interesting and somewhat controversial topic. I remember asking
this question when I first joined the list as well -- replies were basically
the same as any other iteration of this debate since.

FWIW, if the notice to dealers was indeed recommending engine oil in the
60's why would my 76 TR6 owner's manual (original to the car) recommend 90wt
GL4 gear oil? Incidentally GL4 is what I use and I seem to have no problem
with my gearbox or O/D. I specifically use GL4 although it seems GL5 is more
commonly available these days -- remember these manufacturers' specs were
devised when lubricants were much less sophisticated than they are now. The
GL5 is sometimes reported to cause problems with yellow metal components of
gearboxes and O/D's. I don't know how yellow metal is in a 76 TR6
gearbox/O/D but hopefully I won't have to find out for a while. One
advantage not often mentioned is that if you use gear oil in the gearbox
(with the characteristic sulfur smell) you'll know if it is your gearbox or
engine that's leaking :-).

FWIW2, on the healy list, their is a strong sentiment to use straight 30w
engine oil in their O/Ds. I believe all Healeys used the A-type Laycock O/D.
My TR6 being a 76 uses the J-type. Maybe that's the difference. Volvos used
the J-type and they might recommend something entirely different for their
O/Ds, I don't know.

I think it's kind of like the carb dash pot oil debate...

--- Peter Zaborski  CF58310UO ---

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