Update on new Redline trans oil

Just replaced my transmission oil with Redline 75W90W NS and sadly it has not solved the 1st to 2nd gear shift problem that most of our F-Cars genetically inherit. While I live in a colder climate, it appears that the Redline synthetic oil is only marginally better than the std spec oil and I still have to wait for the oil warm up before gingerly and firmly shifting from 1 to 2nd. When warm I have no serious problem accessing second gear, just need to be careful with no quick shifts and double clutching when necessary. In anycase, looks like no magic solution here but it was worth a try.

 

I have Redline in my 328, and same thing. So sadly, no magic bullet.

The best remedy I have found so far is driving. If I let her sit for a week or two, the 'reluctance' to hit 2nd is very pronounced. If I go for a run on a Friday, say, there is little or no difficulty when I take her out on the Saturday or Sunday.

 

Umm, think i have suggested Amsoil 75-90 SVG. Works for me for road and lots of track use.

 

Replacing the syncro fixed mine, 2nd is easy any time warm or cold with regular gear oil.

 

For shifting complaints on those I always use Redline MTL.

If the working surface of the syncro has become glazed no oil will make it work. Removal and lapping or replacement is the only thing that will.

 

I am going to change to Castrol SAF-XJ transmission oil.
Have anybody tryed this?

 

Brian,

You suggest MTL works best for this type of problem. What would you say is the success rate for those that use MTL? I'd still like to see if there is any other reasonable option without changing the second gear synchro. Also, if changing the second gear synchro is the obvious solution, why is it that the first to second gear shift problem appears to have been a problem for these cars from new? Therefore replacing the second gear synchro at this stage would only provide me with the same problem but newer parts.

thanks,
Al

 

Al,

Not sure we covered this, did you have the shift linkage checked and aligned. i know there are some mating bits in the linkage that can wear. i replaced mine with some hard poly (like Energy Suspension) versus the softer stock.

 

Good point!

 

After changing to Redline, I still have to wait before shifting into 2nd.......I just don't have to wait as long.

 

Brian,
what causes glazing of the synchro and how can it be avoided? Thanks.

George

 

The lubricants available then were garbage. We no longer live with Typhoid or Polio either, times have changed.

Also the syncros are so hard they took a long time to seat to the shape of the gear. Many when driven in their break in years were abused by impatient drivers and few if any of the people that worked on those transmissions ever lapped the syncros to fit. All of those reasons have contributed to the reputation of poor shifting.

Wrong/garbage lubricants and forcing the shift glazes the syncros.

They can shift very well when everything is right.

 

I agree with this. I used to have to skip second for the first three sequences. Now I have to skip second one time and I'm good to go.

 

Steven,

As you suggested, can the linkage be accessed via the cabin of the car or do I have to go underneath?

Thanks
Al

 

Brian,

I will try MTL next gear oil change. Also, I noticed there is a clutch oil drain plug for the resevoir that is separate from the gearbox. How crucial is it to also replace the oil in the resevoir with the same MTL gear oil?

 

How often should the trans oil be changed?

 

Verell knows more on this as i had a relaitvely local shop do mine. Basically as i understand it there are two locations where these connection bits can wear/are located. One is kinda in the cabin (i think) while the other is at the bottom of the engine bay linkage. Again, Verell is really the guy who could be more helpful here.

Have been told yearly or every 2 years for normal driving (5k to 10k miles). For track use i change mine 2 to 3 times a year as there is no filter in the tranny and while do not abuse her, she does get her share of hard use.