14 replies to this topic

[Benzola]

Hi Guys, Can I please have some urgent advise (need to be back on the road now & stood in garage head scratching). I today did the gear box breather mod (hose & mini breather). When I "drained down" the gearbox / transmission (following guides on here) the fluid that drained out was red. Now I'm no genius, but this suggests it's transmission fluid right? Then why have I been advised (from a reputable mechanic) to refill with Comma Gear Oil (SX 75-90w, semi synthetic GL5). The Comma stuff is a totally different colour (pale brown like engine oil) & appears much more viscous than what came out. Is it the same stuff / does it do the same job? Shall I get something else? Also (to be sure & once I know what I should be filling with) I am right in that I refill with 2 litres (NA) all drain plugs in (bar filling plug) & let it breath to own level. Or am I better off taking the level plug out & filling till this runs? Cheers in advance chaps. Once again the forum saves my butt! I am learning quickly & appreciate your help. Ben. PS: I have sinned! I was blocking next doors garage & they insisted I move my VX, despite it having absolutely no transmission fluid / gear box oil in it! Had no choice but to run the engine & make a 6 point turn (1st gear & rev for about 1 min) as I couldn't push it. I know this is real bad! Anything I should do (ie flush) before refilling with transmission fluid / gear box oil? PS: while I was under there, I found rear engine mount totally shredded! Weird as front & side mounts look fine. Had no bangs or "coffee grinder" either? More about this later.

[fezzasus]

They're dyed in the factory so workers don'tput engine oil in the gear box, in the case of the VX assembly line it was red. The dye has nothing to do with the performance of the oil - it's added at 200 ppm. Aftermarket oils don't always have dyes in.

[Benzola]

Cheers Fez! Bloody star you are! I may get this done before nightfall. What are your thoughts on the Comma gear box oil? Should I hold fire & refill with something else? Also 2 litres & let breath or fill with level plug out, till it runs? Ben.

Edited by Benzola, 12 June 2013 - 07:38 PM.

[fezzasus]

Manual transmission fluid hasn't changed for decades, you can't really make a bad decision. I'd just put all 2 L in and leave it as that. Vauxhall recommend you fill them up to 2.1 L when the fluid is changed.

[JohnTurbo]

You could probably drive 100 miles without any wear on the gears as they will have oil on them. Dont worry about 10 yards.

[Benzola]

Brill! Filling her up now (ohh err). Must say getting the trays & diffuser of was a total PITA. But glad I did as discovered a few hidden sins that I can now address. Bloody brill this forum! Ben :-)

[Nev]

The red stuff is Vauxhalls own brand 75w90 most probably. Quite cheap for Vauxhall.

Edited by Nev, 12 June 2013 - 07:50 PM.

[Benzola]

The red stuff is Vauxhalls own brand 75w90 most probably. Quite cheap for Vauxhall.

75-90 is what's gluging in now... No good? Please suggest alternative before I put the trays & diffuser back on. Ta. Ben.

[fezzasus]

I work for one of the four companies in the world that develop this stuff, it's fine.

[Benzola]

All sorted. Thank you everyone. I really appreciate the guidance. Much of this new to me. I previously rallied 2CV's (that can be fixed with a coat hanger, pair of pliers, duct tape & red wine!). On the road to Yorks. Greasy hands & happy smile. All good. THREAD CLOSED. Ben :-)

Edited by Benzola, 12 June 2013 - 08:47 PM.

[JohnTurbo]

I work for one of the four companies in the world that develop this stuff, it's fine.

 

[fezzasus]

Pretty much. 

 

[JohnTurbo]

Perhaps you can help me with a project...

It strikes me that the 30million males in the Uk regularly output 10cc of fluid which is considered to have some lubricating qualities.

Maybe if everyone on the forum sent you a sample you could assess the general lubricity, and suggested additives such as sufactants, friction modifiers etc for industrial use.

Then we can market it as a biodegradable alternative to fossil fuel derived lubricants, and collect it for free in regional 'Wankbanks'?

 

It could be quite the money spinner.

Edited by JohnTurbo, 12 June 2013 - 08:57 PM.

[Benzola]

Or..... Harvest the tens of thousands of gallons that still sit on the sea bed from Exxon Valdez?..... One for the "memory wanks". Cheers. B :-)

[Paulus H]

I once worked next to a distribution centre for animal semen. I am normally a broad minded person with a dark sense of humour but even I found it a little weird working next to that place.

 

So no donation here............

 

 

Kind regards, Paul