What do you use in overdrive unit

[jg61hawk]

A friend has a "New" 1953 with overdrive. He wants to top off the overdrive unit. Should he drain it and fill it or can he top it off, and if he can top it off what should he use? Thanks!

[Guest]

I believe the recommendation is to use an oil rated GL-1, in the 80-90w range, if memory serves.

Western Washington, USA

[Mark57]

Considering he just acquired the car, I would recommend he not "top it off", but do a complete fluid change. Don't forget there are filler (and drain) plugs in both the transmission and O/D unit. While 80 -90 weight gear oil is fine, you need to ensure that oil with sulphur or chlorine compounds (Extreme Pressure - EP oils) are not used as they can damage the brass synchronizing rings (credit to Gord R. ).

You can also use a good quality straight 40 or 50 weight engine oil in the O/D transmission.

PS: The Shop Manual is invaluable for helping with these kinds of questions.

<h5>Mark
'57 Transtar
3E-6/7-122 </h5>

[vegas paul]

Chevron makes a 80 weight straight mineral oil that I use. I can get a 5 gallon bucket for about $45 from my local dealer. I'll have to look on the bucket tonight to get the exact product name.

Las Vegas, NV - Stop by, coffee's on!
'51 Champion Business Coupe G899965 10G-Q4-1434

[StudeRich]

What mark said, AND...if using Engine Oil use NON-Detergent Oil, pretty hard to find in good quality name brand.

AND...fill the Overdrive case FIRST, then the main case with car level and recheck both cases after oil has "settled".

It is CRITICAL to be sure BOTH are completely full, but not overfilled.

I would use NAPA GL1, avoid gear oil that says, GL4, AND GL5, the GL5 is the extreme pressure type that you DO NOT want!

StudeRich
Studebakers Northwest
Ferndale, WA

[rusty nut garage]

why does the oil need to be non-detergent?
Russ

quote:Originally posted by StudeRich

What mark said, AND...if using Engine Oil use NON-Detergent Oil, pretty hard to find in good quality name brand.

AND...fill the Overdrive case FIRST, then the main case with car level and recheck both cases after oil has "settled".

It is CRITICAL to be sure BOTH are completely full, but not overfilled.

I would use NAPA GL1, avoid gear oil that says, GL4, AND GL5, the GL5 is the extreme pressure type that you DO NOT want!

StudeRich
Studebakers Northwest
Ferndale, WA

Russ Shop Foreman "Rusty Nut Garage"
57 SH (project)
60 Lark VIII 2dr sd (driver)

[DilloCrafter]

Get all the information and Overdrive service manuals at Bob Johnstone's website. He put it all there for us to access, for free!

http://www.studebaker-info.org/rjtechx3.html#OD

Here is an excerpt from p.15 of the Borg Warner Overdrive Instruction Manual. It warns of the extreme pressure lubricants, and seems to be saying that non-detergent 40w Motor Oil is equally good for the OD unit as 90w Mineral Oil. Gordr has pointed out before that they actually do have the same viscosity:

quote:d. The manufacturer of the overdrive unit recommends
only straight mineral oil, not the "EP" or extreme
pressure types of lubricant, which are unnecessary
for the overdrive, and may contain ingredients
that will corrode or otherwise damage the
parts, or form sludge, or contain solid matter in suspension
which may stop the oil passages to the
pinion bearings, resulting in serious and expensive
damage to the unit. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES
MUST A LUBRICANT OF THE HYPOID AXLE TYPE
BE USED IN THE OVERDRIVE.
e. The most satisfactory all-round lubricant for the
overdrive is SAE No. 40 engine oil of a good grade.
For extremely hard driving in hot climates, SAE No.
50 may be used.
f. Straight mineral oils of ' the transmission type,
SAE No. 80 for all-round use, or No. 90 for hard driving
in hot climates, will also be satisfactory.

[img=left]http://simps.us/studebaker/misc/images/Avacar-hcsdc.gif[/img=left]
Paul Simpson
"DilloCrafter"

1955 1/2 Ton Pickup
The Red-Headed Amazon
Deep in the heart of Texas

[StudeRich]

Maybe just overkill on my part but, to avoid any of the extreme pressure additives, clorine compounds, lead, Sulphur etc. in gear oil that the Shop Manual warns against using, which could be in todays detergent engine oils. [:0]

Anyway, engine oil is not the preferred manual Transmission lubricant, it is the alternative to the preferred.

quote:Originally posted by rusty nut garage

why does the oil need to be non-detergent?

StudeRich
Studebakers Northwest
Ferndale, WA

[Captain Billy]

Can someone/anyone provide any part numbers from the various manufacturers, Chevron/Kendall/Castrol etc...
I am in eastern Ontario and have spent hours on the internet and on the phone trying to secure some 80/90 mineral oil without the additives, no luck, giving up on that I started looking for SAE 40 non-detergent... in my province nobody carries anything heavier than SAE 30.
The NAPA # 65-201 mentioned on another thread does have some additives according to NAPA.
I'm going to South Bend in May , so I can pick it up along they way.

[DilloCrafter]

quote:Originally posted by Captain Billy

Can someone/anyone provide any part numbers from the various manufacturers, Chevron/Kendall/Castrol etc...
I am in eastern Ontario and have spent hours on the internet and on the phone trying to secure some 80/90 mineral oil without the additives, no luck, giving up on that I started looking for SAE 40 non-detergent... in my province nobody carries anything heavier than SAE 30.

If you have any stores that supply farmers with materials for their farming equipment, that's where you'll likely find both the mineral oil and the 40w non-detergent motor oil. I found both at Tractor Supply Company. The motor oil is still used in old tractors that have flathead Ford 8N motors in them.

[img=left]http://simps.us/studebaker/misc/images/Avacar-hcsdc.gif[/img=left]
Paul Simpson
"DilloCrafter"

1955 1/2 Ton Pickup
The Red-Headed Amazon
Deep in the heart of Texas