BrickBoard Archives
The files contained in this listing have been automatically archived from the active forums. Because the vast majority of posts are now in one place, this archive is considered legacy. You should use the SEARCH feature OR choose your topic and select date tabs within the forum you choose.
Gear & Diff. Luge - renew? synthetic?[ALL/1998] posted by M Hoza on
Wednesday, 14 May 1997, at 4:25 p.m.
I just bought a 1984 240 DL (2.3L 4 cyl) with 4 speed manual & overdrive. It has about 120K in milage. I thought I would change the transmission & rear diff. oils but got conflicting advice. Two mechanics said top up only and never change and a third said change @ 60K intervals. 80-90 gear lube recommended for diff and type F auto trans fluid for gearbox.
What is the wisdom of Volvo experts here?
Also, without getting into a long generic discussion of synthetics, are they recommed for use in a 240 Volvo of this age and milage with good operating mechanicals and no leaks.
I have had good luck with synthetics in many other cars.
I was thinking about Mobil 1 gear lube in rear end and either Mobil 1 synthetic Type F in transmission or Redline MTL in gearbox & O.D.
I plan on using Mobil 1 5W-30 in crankcase.
I like the synthetics but don't want to risk leaking seals.
Thanks in advance.
Michael Hoza
Re: Gear & Diff. Luge - renew? synthetic?[ALL/1998] posted by Brian T. on
Wednesday, 14 May 1997, at 7:55 p.m.
Anyone who says trans and diff oil should never be changed needs their head examined! I would change my diff and trans oil at least every 30k. The cost is negligible compared to the price of getting your trans bearings replaced or your differential overhauled. I feel you can't go wrong with the synthetics, providing you don't have leaks. The choice of brand is, of course, up to you. I've been using Mobil 1 in my B18 since I overhauled it. Now it has 100k on it and still looks new inside. ---Brian
Re: Gear & Diff. Luge - renew? synthetic?[ALL/1998] posted by John Erickson on
Wednesday, 14 May 1997, at 11:09 p.m.
Yes, change it. I don't know if I would change it every 30K, but it won't hurt anything. Make sure the oil is warm or hot when you change it. Most contaminates will be carried in solution when the oil is warm. If the oil is cold, you will have more sludge to deal with in the bottom. (Same goes for changing engine oil).
Use an appropriate synthetic, if you wish. Check the fluid level real often after you change it (at least at every oil change). If possible, park the car where you would notice any leaks on the ground.
Re: Gear & Diff. Luge - renew? synthetic?[ALL/1998] posted by John Laughlin on
Thursday, 15 May 1997, at 1:37 a.m.
I used Redline MTL in our '85 245DL wagon. Much better shifting, plus, the O/D unit engages more smoothly. It ain't cheap stuff, but it's the best you can get... I will be doing this to my '81 242DL (232K miles and still going strong) as soon as possible.
-John.
Re: Gear & Diff. Luge - renew? synthetic?[ALL/1998] posted by abe crombie on
Wednesday, 21 May 1997, at 2:42 p.m.
5w-30 is too thin for this vintage engine. You should not go thinner than 10w-30. I have much experience with these gearboxes and you will be happier with the shifting and the overdrive apply pistons seals will live longer with 10w-30 synthetic motor oil. The transmission will not have as loud of a gear rattle when idling with clutch released and a/c on if you use this oil.(this motor oil fix is an old Volvo Tech fix) The thin oils used in these gearboxes was suited well for their Scandinavian origins where cold weather and thicker oils would make shifting difficult until the car had been driven and oil warmed. The latest repair manual printed for this series of gearboxes(M45,M46,&M47II) lists "thermal oil p/n xxxxxxxx" as the first chioce and type f or g as acceptable. In this case thermal oil is a 10w-30 motor oil without all the motor oil additives which is something you can't get here in the U.S.