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Getrag fluid?

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Old Aug 11, 2012 | 07:11 AM
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From: SAGINAW MN
Getrag fluid?

Most of the guys say 5/30 and add a extra quart. Is the thin fluid so it will shift in the cold? Can a guy run thicker fluid? Thanks
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Old Aug 11, 2012 | 08:23 AM
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5W-30 Motor oil is what they put in from the factory, they just didn't put enough in. So yes put 5 total quarts in. It'll shift good in the cold. Mine does.

If your trans isn't leaking too bad, you can put synthetic in it and it'll shift a little easier. But usually Synthetic makes them leak.
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Old Aug 11, 2012 | 09:38 AM
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I run 15w40 in mine. I was using 5W40 synthetic, but yep, it leaked. The 15W40 isn't too bad in the winter around here, just a little sluggish when it rolls out of bed. The reason I use a heavier weight oil is I tow or carry a lot of weight all the time. Almost 300K miles and no problems.
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Old Aug 11, 2012 | 03:18 PM
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Royal purple synchromax and Redline MTL both work nice too.

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Old Aug 13, 2012 | 07:06 AM
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I use 5w 30 Mobile 1 in both of mine...they dont leak yet. They are still a little balky on a cold winter day. I would be afraid to use anything thicker around here.
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Old Aug 13, 2012 | 11:03 AM
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It was explained to me in an Inspection Authorization (IA) seminar how multi viscosity oil worked by a Shell Oil Company rep. The low number is actually what the oil viscosity is, they then add a temperature sensitive polymer to the oil that makes it thicker when it gets hotter. That polymer is tiny strips that are straight when cold and curl when hot. Not a real confidence builter.
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Old Aug 13, 2012 | 11:40 AM
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That is true to some extent, but synthetic base oils are much more temperature stable than conventional oils and don't require as much viscosity index improver additives.

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Old Aug 13, 2012 | 11:42 AM
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Be sure to use pipe sealant on the fill/drain plugs, that is the only place mine leaks with synthetic 5w30.
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Old Aug 13, 2012 | 04:23 PM
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That's the only place mine doesn't leak anymore.
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Old Aug 13, 2012 | 05:59 PM
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This is a little off topic, so I apologize in advance. I recently bought a 92 with the Getrag (my first). I know it needs to be a quart overfill. My problem is checking the fluid level. Everytime I check it, I loose oil. How much I don't know, would depend on how low it is. Then I have to take out the PTO bolt and re-fill it. It would seem to me that something could be done with the PTO cover (maybe a bung welded in?) or maybe make one out of clear plexiglas???I don't know. Checking the oil in the Getrag is a little like pulling the drain plug on the engine to see if it's low or not.
Anyway thanks,
Bill
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Old Aug 13, 2012 | 06:50 PM
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Originally Posted by bill-d-c
This is a little off topic, so I apologize in advance. I recently bought a 92 with the Getrag (my first). I know it needs to be a quart overfill. My problem is checking the fluid level. Everytime I check it, I loose oil. How much I don't know, would depend on how low it is. Then I have to take out the PTO bolt and re-fill it. It would seem to me that something could be done with the PTO cover (maybe a bung welded in?) or maybe make one out of clear plexiglas???I don't know. Checking the oil in the Getrag is a little like pulling the drain plug on the engine to see if it's low or not.
Anyway thanks,
Bill
I seem to remember someone had done the clear PTO cover thing. Don't know if/how that worked out for him. You can also make yourself a little dip stick to feed into the PTO bolt hole. That's what I do. A piece of flat aluminum welding rod bent at a 90°, a ring bent on one end and the other end sand blasted so the oil level shows up better.
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Old Aug 13, 2012 | 07:02 PM
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Question

Originally Posted by bill-d-c
This is a little off topic, so I apologize in advance. I recently bought a 92 with the Getrag (my first). I know it needs to be a quart overfill. My problem is checking the fluid level. Everytime I check it, I loose oil. How much I don't know, would depend on how low it is. Then I have to take out the PTO bolt and re-fill it. It would seem to me that something could be done with the PTO cover (maybe a bung welded in?) or maybe make one out of clear plexiglas???I don't know. Checking the oil in the Getrag is a little like pulling the drain plug on the engine to see if it's low or not.
Anyway thanks,
Bill
If its full to the top pto bOlt it's about a liter over full. I've put a nipple and elbow into the factory fill plug and that gets you about a liter over too. Then you just pull the plug and check it with your finger
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Old Aug 13, 2012 | 07:48 PM
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Thanks guys, both are good ideas. I will try one, sure it will work. I should have been able to think of one of them on my own!! That's why I ask those that know.
Bill
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Old Aug 20, 2012 | 08:16 PM
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Anybody try Royal purple synchromax transmission fluid? Says its made for manual trannys that came with trans fluid or motor oil? Thanks
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Old Aug 20, 2012 | 09:09 PM
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Originally Posted by 93/4X4/CREWCAB
Anybody try Royal purple synchromax transmission fluid? Says its made for manual trannys that came with trans fluid or motor oil? Thanks
Not yet. Went to my local O'Reilly Parts store yesterday, they have to order it. Costs about $18.00 a quart. I hear (on this forum), that it's about the best you can put inside a Getrag transmission. I'll soon find out I guess.
Bill
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