General Transmission oil

[fourbie]

I want to change the transmission oil in my 2004 Dynamic automatic.

The book says 75w-80 synth.

I have a lot of 75w-90.

My question is can I use 75w-90?

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

I think you probably could but the "90" figure means it's more viscous at operating temperature than the "80". This may translate into making it a little harder for the gears to be shifted and, having read many posts on the forum about problems with these automated boxes, Personally I'd not be taking the risk (small though it may be) just to save a few quid?

 

[fourbie]

I think you probably could but the "90" figure means it's more viscous at operating temperature than the "80". This may translate into making it a little harder for the gears to be shifted and, having read many posts on the forum about problems with these automated boxes, Personally I'd not be taking the risk (small though it may be) just to save a few quid?

Yes I agree, I was thinking along those lines.

I just thought that the thickness at operating temperature might be the same.

I have 3x5L bottles of the 75w-90 that look like they won't get used since I stopped being a Suzuki fan.

 

[The Panda Nut]

I think you probably could but the "90" figure means it's more viscous at operating temperature than the "80". This may translate into making it a little harder for the gears to be shifted and, having read many posts on the forum about problems with these automated boxes, Personally I'd not be taking the risk (small though it may be) just to save a few quid?

Agreed. I changed both 0ur older Panda gearboxes oil last year and used the correct oils specified. The improvements were significant, so its clear smallish changes in the oil do make a difference.

 

[fourbie]

its clear smallish changes in the oil do make a difference.

I have the service stamps from when I bought it and the last was a year ago (about 100 miles ago) but I have no idea when this oil was changed as I don't have the 50000mile schedule or any for that matter.

Worse is I have had a quick look for access and can't even see the fill/drain plugs so I will have to get under it to have a much closer look.:bang:

 

[The Panda Nut]

These plugs are identified on a post on here if you search. You do need to be under the car when they are then easy to see and get to. Fiat say the oil is there for life... I say cobblers and change it at 30,000 intervals. On our 169 it made a big difference. Tutela oils can be had off ebay for half sensible prices if you take time to search them out.

 

[fourbie]

Tutela oils can be had off ebay for half sensible prices if you take time to search them out.

Tutela is not a name of oil I would use.

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

Tutela - made by Petronas I'm about 98% certain? I buy mine from S4p and both our Fiats are running on it beautifully. It's OE recommendation.

 

[chris3234]

Tutela is not a name of oil I would use.

Thats the original factory brand of oil

 

[fourbie]

Thats the original factory brand of oil

Yes but factory brand cost.

 

[chris3234]

Yes but factory brand cost.

Not really any more then any other oil

https://www.shop4parts.co.uk/?name=...E1_wM7DBNNWGScFspR5z0GxPU24fDRagaAnW9EALw_wcB


£10 a litre and free delivery over £25

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

Yes but factory brand cost.

Here's what S4p have it up for just now: https://www.shop4parts.co.uk/?name=store&op=Product&ProdID=2401 Of course you need to have an order for over £25 to get free shipping but you're as good as there with the quantity you need.

Looking at the options for this grade of oil ie, 75w-85 to GL4+ spec on ebay that price looks very competitive. Also "all transmission oils are not equal": see here: https://www.widman.biz/uploads/Transaxle_oil.pdf so I'd rather use what the manufacturer approves

 

[fourbie]

Looking at the options for this grade of oil ie, 75w-85

I thought it was 75w-80??

Here's eBay price for four litres.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/384105775497?hash=item596e7d0189:g:MgcAAOSwZBRgVHSe

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Yes but factory brand cost.

So does knock off or the wrong oil when it causes premature wear and damage

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

I thought it was 75w-80??

Here's eBay price for four litres.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/384105775497?hash=item596e7d0189:g:MgcAAOSwZBRgVHSe

Nope, Tutela Technyx is 75w-85 to GL4 plus. Here's a pic of one in my oil store left over from the last change I did on our Fiats:



Of course I'm not familiar with the auto boxes so maybe a different oil is recommended for them? But I believe the gearbox lube is the same as our manual boxes with a different oil being used in the actuator mechanism?

I haven't really driven my boy's car for any great distance since changing it's oil but our Panda, with low 60,000 miles on the clock, definitely benefited from the new oil - generally quieter and easier to engage first gear from a standstill.

As the years have rolled by I've become very aware of the fact that many people - and the trade are as guilty as anyone - are happy to use oil in transmissions which are not quite the right spec simply because it's an easy or cheaper option than getting the exactly correct spec. I suspect that many gearbox problems and, in the log term, failures can be attributed to using out of spec lubricant. Then there's the tempting prospect that you might be able to "improve" upon the lube recommended by the manufacturer either by adding "Snake Oil" (as jim colourfully refers to these products) or a different product altogether - often at considerably greater price (so it's got to be "better" hasn't it?) I'm not saying for one minute that there may not be "better" product out there, especially if you start upping the engine power or persistently flogging the car to death with your driving style. However, unless you are an oil chemist none of us have the knowledge to be able to realistically make an informed choice. So, from my point of view, just buy the recommended product, we're not talking about a great cost here are we? and drive the vehicle sympathetically.

 

[fourbie]

Nope, Tutela Technyx is 75w-85 to GL4 plus. .

I have taken a pic of what the manual that came with the car says for you to see.

Also you may notice it does not specifically state to use Tutela but is clear on the spec for oil that is used.

Also this video which is fairly representative confirms the book.

See at 5:36
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlZGok3plGI&ab_channel=dreamwisperer

And I am sure the trans. oil is the same for auto as manual cars.

 

[DaveMcT]

I'm a fan of these folks. They always come up with the goods. Remember the £25 minimum delivery charge so top up the order with other stuff.

Selespeed gear oil
https://www.shop4parts.co.uk/?name=store&op=Product&ProdID=1161

 

[fourbie]

I'm a fan of these folks.[/url]

Nice but a bit costly.

 

[koalar]

I have taken a pic of what the manual that came with the car says for you to see.

Also you may notice it does not specifically state to use Tutela but is clear on the spec for oil that is used.

Also this video which is fairly representative confirms the book.

See at 5:36
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlZGok3plGI&ab_channel=dreamwisperer

And I am sure the trans. oil is the same for auto as manual cars.

depends on the year of the manual and what was available at the time

its been GL4+ GL5 back to GL4+ same gearbox for 20 ish years

As long as its nice clean oil around this spec its close enough

 

[fourbie]

As long as its nice clean oil around this spec its close enough

Precisely.