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Wed Feb 18, 2004 5:21 pm

I tried doing a search on the topic, but wasn't successful (I know it is in here somewhere). The local VW shop recommended GL-5 tranny oil, but the bentley said GL-4 for my 72 bus. Should I go with the GL-4, or put in the GL-5 that I already have? Oh I am so close to getting this bus running for the first time since owning it!!!!!!! Thanks ian

Wed Feb 18, 2004 5:23 pm

The short answer is put in GL4 only unless you've got an automatic in which case GL5 is fine.

Wed Feb 18, 2004 5:25 pm

gl-5 will eat your syncros

Wed Feb 18, 2004 5:55 pm

thanks for the help, I am always amazed by ratwells speed. Ian

Thu Feb 19, 2004 2:47 pm

Have a '79 westy with a the original trans. What gear oil should I use? Am just coming back to VW and not familiar with GL-4 or 5. Should I not use gear oil like 80/90 or 140 viscosity--I usually use synthetic. Thanks for the help!!!

Thu Feb 19, 2004 2:56 pm

GL-4 is the API rating (American Petroleum Institute) and 80W90 is the weight. That's all the manual recommends and since the gearbox requirements haven't changed since they were built disregard the specs at your own risk.

Having said that GL4 can be a bugger to find. You may literally have to visit every parts store to find some. Stalube is the most common brand in the gallon jug. Check the weight since some of it is 80W140 oil.

Before giving up, call Stalube and get phone numbers for local dealers/distributors.

Thu Feb 19, 2004 10:55 pm

Why not use Redline MT-90?

It is a 75W90 GL-4, easy to find and will almost undoubtedly enhance the shifting feel of your transmission while protecting it at least as well as other choices.

Fri Feb 20, 2004 9:31 am

No reason other than cost.

Fri Feb 20, 2004 10:50 am

Good point--it is more expensive. But, the difference is only $20 or so versus Sta-Lube GL4. Considering how long it will be in there and the good protection and smooth operation it provides, it is an alternative worth considering. I was amazed at how much better my bus shifted with this stuff, especially in cold weather or first thing in the morning. No affiliation, yadda yadda....

If anybody is interested, here is a good write up of a British car guy's puzzling over which lubricant to use and where to find GL4. He should have just bought some Redline. :wink:

Fri Feb 20, 2004 12:01 pm

[quote="Bob D."] Considering how long it will be in there (snip)quote]

I can't find it right now but does anyone have the service schedule for trannys? I know the oil is supposed to be change at regular intervals
It's not supposed to stay in there as long as we would like to think. I'm one of the worst.

Fri Feb 20, 2004 12:17 pm

VW says factory filled for life. Based on the price of Stalube and the service life of transmission (200k) changing it every 50k miles seems like a good idea.

In the older manuals VW used to specify SAE90 for mild weather, SAE80 for cold weather and ATF for really cold weather. The 80W90 recomendation superceeded all previous advice. Good luck finding a single weight gear lube anyway unless you are in the tractor business (a good source for Castrol 80W90 in a big drum I'm sure!)

Fri Feb 20, 2004 4:50 pm

My 1973 owner's manual says every 30,000 miles, and that is what I do.
Colin

Fri Feb 20, 2004 5:15 pm

My Bentley says in Section 5.2 of Chapter 9 Lubrication anmd Maintenace,

"It is unneccessary to change the hyploid oil on 1970 and later vehicles, unless the oil has become contaminated or a temperature change makes it neccessary to use an oil of a different viscosity. However, the hyploid oil should always be changed 600 miles after rebuilding the tansmission."

That being said, I always do it every 30,000 miles also or when I first get the car so that I know when it was last done. It is cheap to do and makes me feel better. 7.4 pints is not much anyway.

Sat Feb 21, 2004 5:52 am

I think that as our buses get older, and the seals degrade, once every 20-30K is about right. I change mine once a yearbut I drive a lot of dusty roads, and it always looks gunky when it come out.

Sat Feb 21, 2004 12:47 pm

The fluid level should be checked more often than that. It should be part of routine maintenance.

Sat Feb 21, 2004 4:15 pm

Hey guys,
My father found that at our local Napa store they have Sta-Lube Gl-4 for about $11 a gallon.
Kyle

Sun Feb 22, 2004 12:14 am

That's where I've seen it most often. I thought the price was better last time I say it but maybe it was someplace else: NAPA tends to be pricier.

One last word. VW printed up guidelines and then superceeded them later on when the quality of the fluids improved. Deciding which guidelines to follow is largely a feel good decision.