Technical 1990 panda 4x4 999fire what gearbox oil?

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Technical 1990 panda 4x4 999fire what gearbox oil?

c12sppy

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So much differing info out there, regards ep or not ep oil for gearbox. Just need to know what to put in? Thanks
 
There was some proper Fiat ZC90 oil on eBay a while back, might still be there, Millers also do the correct spec, called Classic 90 I think, hard to find though. Failing that you can use 20w-50 engine oil, although I would try and get some of the proper spec first. Don't use anything EP and higher than GL3 spec.
 
SAE 85w/90 GL3 (aka ZC90) is the proper spec oil to be used in the panda gearboxes.

Check out eBay for ZC90 oil. you will need about 2.4 to 2.5L of it to fill the box to the fill plug.

if you've not already before filling make sure the cars CV boots have no holes or tares in as the panda uses a wet shaft gearbox

i made a video of the correct oil to use:
 
My local motor factors had 75W90 semi synthetic on their system as recommended when they keyed in the reg number. £20 for 5 litres so enough to do it twice!
 
I emailed Opie Oils & Fiat. Still waiting for response from Fiat but Opie said:

I really can't think of a GL3 SAE90 oil as they have been superceded. The book information for the car is based on oils that were available at the time (and being overly cautious) and you could safely use a modern 75w-90, 80w-90 or SAE90 GL4 oil (although we don't have any GL4 SAE90s, SAE90s tend to be GL5 as they are aimed at diffs).

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-673-75w-90-mtfs-manual-transmission-fluid.aspx
http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-676-80w-90-mtfs-manual-transmission-fluid.aspx

The Redline MT90 would be the best choice, but the Millers and Gulf EP80w-90s would be absolutely fine as a cheaper option.


In the Panda handbook, the "Lubricant & Fluid Specifications" page says:

Lubricants & greases for transmissions -

SAE 80W EP Oil. Meets API GL4 and MIL L 2105 specifications. Recommended Tutela ZC 80/S. Specific Application Manual Transaxles.

Won't something like Millers Classic Gear Oil EP80w 90 work here as it meets Fiat's spec for manual gearboxes.

I understand GL5 might contain too much sulphur stuff, but, pending a reply from them, is GL4 still really the wrong stuff? It seems odd to scour the internet trying to obtain a perfect match when the oil manufacturers have superceded GL3 and the classic car websites are selling either straight cut oil (for really old cars) or GL4.
 
this is what you want

I did see that on the Millers website, unfortunately they don't make it anymore (according to several of their distributors) hence the GL4 dilemma.
 
Thanks DM. I don't mind buying ZC90 but it seems odd that no mainstream suppliers are selling it, or an equivalent.

I had a response from Millers Oils -

Thank you for your enquiry. The GL3 spec is now obsolete and it was not a popular grade in this country.What you can put in now is a GL4 spec oil either a 90 grade or 80/90 GL4 which is better still and I have attached our data sheet for you. Whichever oil you use make sure you buy a GL4 spec oil and not a GL5 spec as that is too high a spec for your car.

They attached the spec sheet for their EP80w 90 GL4 Gear Oil.

The Fiat manual shows this:

fiatlube.jpg


All I am wondering is whether the hunt for elusive ZC90 isn't really a waste of time, money and effort?

Edited to say Millers just rang me back and they have 2x 5litres of GL3 left and are sending it to me. Might even try it in the TR5 gearbox. The Triumph forum has as many recommendations for gearbox/overdrive oil as there are oils available to buy!
 
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hmm good that you have GL-3. i would be very suspicious of any other oil.

the handy thing with a 2 wheel drive panda is that it shares the same gearbox with the Cinquecento sporting (1108cc) and the Puntos.
hell, any Fiat with the FIRE engine...

if you really wanted a bit of fun you could stick the 6 speed in it from off the newer puntos. you would just need wheel spacers as it sticks out just a little bit more than the 5 speed.

its something i would like to do if i ever could find a 2wd panda with a broken gear box.
 
Thanks again, as mentioned, Millers sending me their last 10 litres of GL3. Mind you, I saw this on ebay.it when I searched for ZC90 and wondered if it would help :D

olio.jpg
 
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