Hi.
The subject line is correct!

I can give you something to ponder over while you are learning about your transmission.
I was in on the threads that Kitty is referencing and there was a lot of things learned about the M47!

In the process of BCG’s two transmissions, he managed to salvage one and I think he was contemplating what he would eventually do with the other as a spare.

I’m sort of in the same predicament as I had an extra one stashed out of a 1990.
It was a random PNP special, a Tool Kit Member sale, as I got a complete engine with accessories and transmission for $500, while also including, the two ECM’s and harness! This was about ten years ago of course!

The Bad I needed to change out came in a 1993 that I had drove about 5,000 miles before I racked it up to checked out a small noise in low and third gear developing quickly!
I found, what I think, was like a normal engine oil in it! That’s it, No gear oil smell or ATF.
The PO, She said she had a new clutch put in a few months earlier.
I think they put in the wrong oil by accident, since she said, an independent shop was used during the sale! She had no records of whom she had do work or when? Her husband had died.
That only worried me a tiny bit because I had spares!

I plainly missed it or they did a number on it!
It actually had a truly Branded Volvo clutch in there, so that was good!
So, I’m mystified when or what mechanics did the oil trick?
I still got an excellent car as it was great inside and out! So, it about time I got bit just a little!

I’m in the process of an experiment with that 1990 transmission versus another one, in my 1991 car.
It’s approaching 300 K in mileage.
The transmission turns just fine.
I have put the last hundred thousand miles on in it in the last 15 years.
I have always used the old standard of Type F ATF up to the last few years only.
A few years ago, I got concerned about some threads I read!
They wanted to get oil up higher in the gear box when in use.
I started to filling it the little extra as recommended by a several Bricksters in so many threads!

I also started thinking about the term “Friction Modifiers” in other fluids. What does that mean?
My best idea is that it tracks or clings onto the gears better!
Lucas has had little hand cranked gear displays, for years on parts houses counters, to play with while waiting. I use think it was like the old STP product as it went into engine oil only!
Never really was overwhelmed with that Lucas product to use it much! Again, I only experimented with it! I saw no difference.

Then, I came across another Lucas Oli product made for manual transmissions, using fluids, instead of a true gear oil! This stuff is an additive.
Since the Type F works in my several M46 transmissions with overdrives. OK!
It recommends a 20% amount only, to be added to the ATF. Small investment get spread out.
In Remembering that old gear display, I think I got their point in my head of what the stuff really is!
A Friction Modifier, which might mean, it’s less slippery, so it doesn’t fall off!
I don’t think they meant, it adds friction!
Ok then, I bit and it hasn’t hurt anything so far in the 1991 or my 1986 M46 OD wagon model.
I’m one that doesn’t like to mess with success @nearly 300k or 350k above!
A lot was the care I give it, plus I don’t abuse my equipment as I drive to only to try to wear them out!
Yes, I still have a 1974 A606 Maytag washer, that I got slightly used when I got married.
Yes, I’m still married to the first wife! I think no kids helped a lot, except she’s partly the reason I have six Volvos! (:). Better than having an ungodly large pickup truck, out of the back woods or a boat out of the water!

Anyways!
I have these two things for you to check out!

https://www.ebay.com/b/Manual-Transmissions-Parts-for-Volvo-240/171116/bn_19617232

https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/FH-1161645

One is related to parts you might consider.
BCG and I poised our eyeballs on these!
The other is oil that I’m experimenting with from Fuchs.
Study the specifications and see how it compares to the Red Line Product that doesn’t show me anything, to believe in and costs just as much per bottle.

The Auto Haus prices have been comparable good to others and are whole lot better than a Volvo dealers price, that was at one time @ $34 a bottle.
I believe it to be the same stuff back a few years ago and now I see it come up with better specifications and actual recommendations on the site!
I think this is due to Volvo not renegotiating exclusive contracts with some suppliers. Times are changing!
It’s obvious they didn’t make the oils to begin with AND they are moving more and more towards only electric car building!

This oil seems to have quieted down the 1990 gear box a little bit and it shifts as good as my 1991.
I do believe that in both transmissions it’s the front bearing that BCG found in his photos to be the primary culprit!
Never heard of someone swapping out element retainers, but hey, he’s got ambition coupled with needs!
I will eventually tear into the one that came with my 1993 and I expect it will be the front bearing mostly! There is another bearing on the main shaft that split the main into two pieces so it can run at different speeds. It is very dependent on the front main bearing being as stable as possible!


An old advertisement was, “Volvos are a car you can believe in!
They last 11 to 17 years!
Well? (:). My car collection started in 1978 and IT just made two, to town trips, yesterday! (:)

Phil