manual transmission oil?

[michael_lindsay2]

does anyone know if it will hurt a manual transmission on a 95 metro to put synthetic gear oil in it? also how much does it hold? would also like input on bosh platitum 2 plugs. would it be alright to run these in my metro? thanks for any help.

[91Caprice9c1]

I don't see any problems filling with synthetic, except that if your axles seals are old and brittle you may begin to develop a small leak.

Capacity specification says 2.5qts, I typically am able to get only ~2qts in after draining and have had no problems with a supposed 0.5qt deficiency.

I have no experience with the platinum 2's but a lot of us have had good performance with NGKs.

-MechanicMatt

[Woodie83]

Most synthetics are GL-5 which is a no no for our synchronizers, already a weakness. Put in GM Synchromesh, that's what is recommended and straying from that often causes synchro troubles. Either Pennsoil or Quaker State also makes Synchromesh, that would probably be cheaper.

[doug7x]

I've been using an industrial synthetic gear oil (shell omala HD 320) in my '95 for several years now with no problems. Only noticable differance is that now it's not as stiff to shift in very cold weather.

[91Caprice9c1]

Thank you for correcting my misleading advice , Woodie.

-MechanicMatt

[idmetro]

GM Syncromesh is supposed to be Pennzoil syncromesh in a different bottle (and twice the price). I've been running the Pennzoil for a year now and haven't noticed any particular difference between it and standard dino oil, syncros still holding up fine.

[human ills]

Thanks for the thread, I just recently changed my gear oil to Royal Purple Synthetic 75w-90.
The bottle says it meets GL4 and GL5. Am I ok?

[dwendt1978]

Reading back on a post by Woodie, he says GL5 isn't good for the syncros.
I'd imagine that means GL4 as well.

I was looking at oil myself last night and when it said GL5 I put it back. He says Syncromesh is the best for our trannies. I'd consider changing it. Again.

[GM Line Rat]

Originally Posted by michael_lindsay2

does anyone know if it will hurt a manual transmission on a 95 metro to put synthetic gear oil in it? also how much does it hold? would also like input on bosh platitum 2 plugs. would it be alright to run these in my metro? thanks for any help.

1. My trans held a little over 2 Qts, I used the Penzoil "Syncromesh" to refill it after doing an Engine swap and new clutch kit install. I dont like using Synthetic Trans fluid in any of my vehicles for the reasons previously stated. I WILL Use synthetic Motor Oil all day long in the engine(s) though.

2. I DONT Like Bosch plugs period, I've had nothing but bad luck with them in the past!.........As Matt said, I use NGK or AC-Delcos (GM Original Equipment)

A Usefull link for you and refilling your trans.

Manual Tran Refill

[Rooy]

Last year I put in Mobil 1 75w90 Synthetic gear lube (which is a GL-5) and ended up draining it after a couple days. It made the somewhat fussy when cold (over 200k on the tranny) 2nd and 3rd gear synchros much worse; nearly unshiftable.

I refilled it with some Redline MTL (a 70w80 GL-4) and the difference was night and day. Redline MT90 (75w90) would be the correct viscosity but I had the MTL on hand so I used it.

So, I forget if a GL-4 is what is spec'd, but the trans sure didn't seem to like a GL-5.

[DanMan7]

In February of last year (2007), I put in Mobil 1 75W90 as well, and after my last long trip with a lot of shifting and a lot of hills and such, my transmission started getting a little noisy. I was told a year ago on this forum to add that fluid, as the best recommendation. However, next week I will drain that and add the GM Synchromesh fluid instead. Should shift better and not be as noisy.

[c140flyer]

Hi Folks,
I have a '96 Metro / 5speed. The owners manual actually calls out synthetic gear oil meeting GL-4 specs. Because of this, I changed the fluid with Gastrol synthetic meeting GL-5 specs last fall. (I couldn't find GL-4). Recently, I've noticed that the shifting has been a little "notchy" and some of the seals leak. I would like to change to the Synchromesh fluid that most of you recommend, but it isn't called out. I can't imagine that there is that much of a difference in this transmission and the older ones that call out Synchromesh. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Larry

[Woodie83]

My books have all said specifically "GM Synchromesh" or "75W-90 GL-4". Transmission is the same on all Metro/Swift from 89-01. GL-5 is bad, it has additives that are bad for the brass synchronizers our trannys have. Pennsoil makes Synchromesh for GM, I bought the Pennsoil branded bottle a couple of weeks ago at AutoZone for $6.50 a quart.

[c140flyer]

Thanks Woody,
I already bought the Pennzoil Synchromesh and looked at the owner's manual later. I feel better about using it now!
Thanks,
Larry