Suggestion for Manual Trans Fluid?

hermesbooking · 02-22-2009, 02:44 PM

Fixin my car and decided to change the Manual Transmission Fluid. It's an 86 N/A with almost 100,000 miles that I can tell. The fluid cam out not too bad, but seamed to only be about a quart? I know I am going to have problems in the future, I can hear my syncs starting to make noise, so when I drained the fluid wanted to relly inspect as it came out and had metal and brass particals! SO with that being said, suggestions on some good gear oil and weight, I am in Texas so not too much cold, and how much should be in the transmission. Thanks Mike

many944s · 02-22-2009, 03:12 PM

For open diff transmissions I use Mobil 1. On limited slips, I swear by Swepco 201.

As for the metal in the oil...
There will always be very small particles of metal that adhere to the magnets inside the transmission, this is normal and will usually look like fuzz growing on the magnets. The brass particles are more than likely bits of synchros, as those are the only pieces of metal in the trans that aren't steel or aluminum. If there are chunks of steel that you can physically feel (larger than a grain of sand), then you are either seing broken gear surfaces or bearing material. Personally, You might want to start looking for a trans now to rebuild and swap in before it goes out completely.

-Nick

edit: there should be around 2 litres of gear oil in the transmission.

El_Mecanico · 02-22-2009, 03:21 PM

I also have the same year and about 94k miles and having problems shifting. I have adjusted the linkage and found the best position and continue to have the same problem and that if I down shift into second gear from 4rth she grinds going in unless I delay it some what. When I up shift and try to quickly shift she grinds also. If I shift slow everything seems to work fine. I did not use swepco instead used royal purple. Will the short shift work better? I see a lot of talk on this subject...when is it due for an overhaul? This car still has the original clutch. Any suggestions?

many944s · 02-22-2009, 03:36 PM

Royal Purple is a good gear lube. I used to use RP in my formula ford trannys. If you notice gear grind when shifting quickly, but not when hesitating on the shift (depressing clutch, pause, then slide shifter into gear) then you are experiencing worn syncros.

Saying when a trans is due for an overhaul is tricky...
If you only have grind in one gear (usually first to second) and you can live with it, leave it. If, on the other hand you get grind in all gears, it may be time to pull it and swap it out. I'm not sure what transmission specialty shops are charging these days, but for the spec racers I have been running a special on trans rebuilds: with all new synchros, seals, bearings, case cleaning, new swepco 201 fluid... total usually comes out to less than $1K. (plus shipping) If the R&P need replaced due to exessive wear, that would be extra. Likewise, if the spider gears in the diff are broken that is extra as well.

Hope it helps!
-Nick

gpotts200 · gpotts200's Garage

Has anyone tried Lucas Oil products to stop small seal leaks? http://www.lucasoil.com/products/display_products.sd?iid=29&catid=9&loc=show&headTitle=%20-%20Lucas%20Transmission%20Fix

bill_nj · 02-27-2009, 05:44 AM

What exactly is it supposed to feel like when you shift? Mine doesn't grind but you definately feel it "clunking" into gear.

petrolhead611 · 02-27-2009, 07:05 AM

Just use the recommended grade of transmission oil, your gearbox sounds well worn, and fancy oil isn't going to restore it . The shift should be like operating a rifle bolt on a well adjusted good condition transmission.