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Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: 4380r on Sunday,April 27, 2014, 03:58:46 PM

Title: Lubricant in 365 transmission
Post by: 4380r on Sunday,April 27, 2014, 03:58:46 PM
What gearbox oil are folks using in the 365 transmission? Which to stay away from?
Title: Re: Lubricant in 365 transmission
Post by: BDA on Sunday,April 27, 2014, 04:18:25 PM
I don't have a 365 any more. I have an NG-3 but I bet they take the same oil.

My NG-3 had a rough 1-2 shift (using a Castrol synthetic oil - don't remember exactly which one)  and a guy who worked on just about everything (Ferraris, Alfas, Jags, MGs, Loti, race cars, etc.) recommended using Redline. I contacted them and they recommended 75W90NS. I thought I'd need a new synchro but Redline totally took care of it! I was amazed!

That would be my recommendation.

Title: Re: Lubricant in 365 transmission
Post by: jbcollier on Sunday,April 27, 2014, 05:39:03 PM
You need to use an oil rated for a hypoid gear set.
Title: Re: Lubricant in 365 transmission
Post by: 4380r on Monday,April 28, 2014, 08:50:06 AM
You need to use an oil rated for a hypoid gear set.

Redline specifically says not for use in differentials with hypoid gears, so...

Are there any specific recommendations of hypoid appropriate gear oil folks have had good experience with?
Title: Re: Lubricant in 365 transmission
Post by: cal44 on Monday,April 28, 2014, 03:44:11 PM
Two years ago I had a posi put in the Boss 302.  The shop I go to builds desert and track race differentials.   Although nothing to do with your question, Mark told me to use what they used 44 years ago..........90 weight mineral.   

Porsche guys, I guess that includes me use Sweepco 201.   The stuff is slimier than a politician.
Can be found on Amazon or Pelican Parts.  I've used it the 356's and the 911's (pre 1990)
Ain't cheap but is good stuff.  The local indy Porsche shops use it to.

mike
Title: Re: Lubricant in 365 transmission
Post by: 4380r on Thursday,May 01, 2014, 06:25:39 PM
 Just learned the hard way to not use Royal Purple.
Title: Re: Lubricant in 365 transmission
Post by: Bainford on Friday,May 02, 2014, 08:43:14 AM
Just learned the hard way to not use Royal Purple.
Oh? please, do tell. I hope nothing bad has happened.

I've been following this thread with interest as I'm considering a different trans lube as well. I am currently using Castrol 80w-90, but have considered synthetic such as Royal Purple.
Title: Re: Lubricant in 365 transmission
Post by: 4380r on Friday,May 02, 2014, 02:44:17 PM
Just learned the hard way to not use Royal Purple.
Oh? please, do tell. I hope nothing bad has happened.

I've been following this thread with interest as I'm considering a different trans lube as well. I am currently using Castrol 80w-90, but have considered synthetic such as Royal Purple.

Put it in my car last Saturday. Drained the oil the trans PO had in it. Don't know it WAS but it was very thick. My car (got it last August) has been bone dry as far as leaks. The engine rebuild has less than a thousand miles, and during the rebuild the PO cracked the transmission, determined it needed no rebuild. So he cleaned it all up and put it back together. Like the engine, less than 1000 since he inspected and cleaned it.

Ran it 100 miles or so on Sunday. Shifted nicely, drove well. Encouraged.

It has been parked in the garage since Sunday. Since then when coming home I'd look under the car for any sign of leak. Bone dry all week, until getting home from work last nigh to find a tablespoon sized puddle of royal blue under the car. Underside of trans along the seam had a thin film.

I've read that this has been a problem, the thinking is the synthetic is dissolving the sludge that prevents the Dino oil from leaking at a spot already weak...a failing seal or an infant leak.

But the car didn't have enough miles in it since the rebuild to warrant any sludge, and what I drained looked clean. I drained the RP last night, and it was clean, no dislodged sludge.
Title: Re: Lubricant in 365 transmission
Post by: 3929R on Friday,May 02, 2014, 07:16:15 PM
I thought a spot under the trans was required?
Title: Re: Lubricant in 365 transmission
Post by: LeftAngle on Saturday,May 03, 2014, 04:49:36 PM
Anyone have experience with Lucas?  I've read their lube is far superior and supposed to be good for engine AND transmission.

Bruce
Title: Re: Lubricant in 365 transmission
Post by: 4380r on Sunday,May 04, 2014, 08:03:30 AM
 Put dino oil back in, no more leak. Go figure.