I'm bumping this post as I have the exact same issue of holding 3 Fiat's.

I have 2 1995 Fiat Punto Cabrio that sharing 1.6 90 engine.
and one that is 1996 75S 1254 engine.

In the booklet it says to use Tutela ZC 75 which is 75w80 GL-5.
I can find either ZC 75 or Tutela Technyx 75W85 which is GL-4+.

I live in a hot climate area which is around 30-40c half a year. winter here is 10-20c.

Fiat company here in israel told me to stick with the book as the properties are per country.
Could I use the GL-4+ on my gearboxes?

g8rpi said:

Hi,
GL4+ is an improved specification GL4, It can replace GL5 in most aplications and passes GL5 tests (possible exception is highly loaded differentials where the additives in a classic GL5 oil that damage synchromeshes provide more protection).

Despite what Fiat say I would use the GL4+ . This will not damage a gearbox designed for GL5, but puting GL5 in a gearbox with certain bearing materials that is supposed to have GL4 /GL4+ will cause damage. GL4+ is the safe choice and will replace GL4 or GL5 in 90% of applications.



The manuals on here

https://www.fiatforum.com/downloads.php?do=file&fileid=12
https://www.fiatforum.com/downloads.php?do=file&fileid=11
Say to use GL4+ ( Tutela Car Technyx)


Even the GP uses GL4+


Robert G8RPI.

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Best answer I've read on here. I'm running both of ours -2010 Panda Dynamic Eco 1.2 8 valve and 2012 Punto Easy 1.4 8 valve VVT - on the Technyx GL4+, bought from S4p. Both cars bought just over 3 years ago and oil changed at first service I did. Running absolutely fine.

fiatpunt0 said:

So today I rung a large UK FIAT national dealership for clarification, they could not tell me if I should use GL4 or GL5 but they said we use and sell TUTELA ZC 75 SYNT....which is GL5

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When I was trying to source the oil for our Panda and Punto, having found out that it should be the Tutela Technyx 75w-80 GL4+ and finding no-one stocked a GL4+ alternative, I went to the main agent to buy - and to hell with what it cost!

"We don't use that sir". This surprised me somewhat. "So what do you use"? "It's a generic product sir, comes in a big drum, can't tell you what it is". This really surprised me (and made me promise myself never to let one of our cars into their workshop). "Well, can you get me the Technyx please"? Yes, but we can only order it by the case so we would require you to buy the whole case"! I gave up and that was when I discovered S4p being recommended on our forum and bought from them.

fiatpunt0 said:

This is an interesting fact. The ZC 75 SYNT GL5 is also MIL-L-2105 D Performance rated which came out in 1987. Now see the PDF I have added, specifically paragraph 3.4.8 that states:

"3.4.8 Copper corrosion. The oil shall minimize copper corrosion. Satisfactory
performance shall be demonstrated when the oil is tested in accordance with
4.6, table 111 (ASTM D 130) for 3-hours at 121 11 “C and exhibits copper strip
discoloration not exceeding ASTM No. 3 when compared to ASTM Copper Strip ●
Corrosion Standard."

So if the ZC 75 SYNT GL5 is also MIL-L-2105 D Performance rated that would suggest it has additives or made in a way to protect from copper corrosion ??

I also read on other web sites that MIL-L-2105 D is basically GL4, so am I right, this product should really read GL4/GL5 rated rather than this confusing information shown in two different formats which shows GL5/MIL-L-2105 D rated.

Am I right ?

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How very interesting. This would seem to support other stuff I've read whilst browsing around lubricant related websites that many, but not perhaps all, GL5 oils are now being formulated to be compatible with these "yellow" metals?

Be aware if your three fiats have different models of gear box they may need different grades of oil.

jackwhoo said:

Be aware if your three fiats have different models of gear box they may need different grades of oil.

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Is that advice for me Jack? If so, thanks. I always check the vehicle manual and look for the Fiat spec No. ie the 9.55 something or other number. The two newer cars run the 75w-80 API gl4+. Felicity - who is no longer in my fleet - did indeed run different oil. I think it was a straight 90 but I'm not sure. I have an opened bottle of 80w-90 GL4 in my oil cupboard so I suspect that was what I ran her on, but it could have been one of the others. Been a few years now and my brain is more "tuned in" to the cars I'm working on now.

Just to say though, Yes you're right, different cars/models/gear boxes, different oils. VERY important to get it right. Don't think you know better than the manufacturer. Oh, and manufacturers, I've found you need to be talking to someone technical to get meaningful info. There are a lot of sales/PR people who will come on the phone when you call them who know less, technically, than a lot of the people on this forum. I'm very grateful for technical advice anyone gives me but always double/triple check before actually putting to use on any vehicle.