Servicing - Oil Changes

[Cowboy Don]

Oh Boy. I'm a British bike owner, so I know what can happen on a forum when someone asks about oil.
First off, I tend to change my oil regularly, more often than manufacturer recommendations, so we'll keep that in mind.

I'm not gonna ask about engine oil, I'm happy with what I've chosen.

I've had a search through the forum here. Lots of choice, much of it special order to stick to the EP90 GL4 spec, a bit difficult to find at the local shops. I'm not opposed to special ordering 20lts if I have to, but at the moment that's not an option. Money's tight as we fix up our house, sell it, buy a new one, set up a new garage, etc. So off-the-shelf is the limit for me right now.

I'll just ask straight up, Penrite Trans Gear 75w80 Semi-Synth, yay or nay? It's not the only GL4 readily available, but it is a reasonable price considering how much is needed if I service regularly, with a Fairey overdrive as well.

Penrite Trans Gear Oil - 75W-80, 2.5 Litre - Supercheap Auto (http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Product/Penrite-Trans-Gear-Oil-75W-80-2-5-Litre/396360)

Don't want to open the can of worms, perhaps just a peek inside....

[JDNSW]

My view would be yes. The concern to get GL-4 is to avoid corrosion of yellow metal components in the gearbox, but I suspect that for most people the concern is overstated. Synthetic oil is probably a definite advantage for the overdrive, which tends to get excessively worn, and also overheats easily, so the slipperier synthetic is an advantage.

For all the oils in the vehicle, it must be realised that virtually anything you can buy today is going to be a lot better than what was specified when the vehicle was new.

[inch]

I was speaking to a, as I understand, a well respected Series mechanic in the Perth Metro area. He told me that EP90 was not the best bet and recommended 75-80 in the transfer case, don't think he mentioned the gearbox. I was quite surprised but bought a bottle. Since then I've been working on a cracking leak from the rear output drive flange, so wasn't intending to take the plunge and fit the 75-80 until that was sorted (which looks like it might be thanks to a Speedi-sleeve recommended here on AULRO) I was also a little hesitant being a much lighter oil, presumably more prone to leak than EP90

So it seems 75-80 comes well recommended, interested if anyone else thinks the gearbox should get the same treatment.

He also told me the valve clearances should be a bit wider, 0.12-0.14 (Hot i presume!) which seems a but tappety for my liking... but I'm learning

[JDNSW]

The difference in viscosity will not be an issue for any of the locations where it is used on the Series Landrover - it is a multigrade oil. EP-90 was specified because multigrade oils were not generally available in the vehicle's markets when it was sold (did not exist when designed!). I doubt you would be able to discern the difference, except perhaps in the steering box, and perhaps swivels, where it might tend to leak a little more readily.

I have been setting Landrover tappets at the recommended gap for the last fifty years or more, and have never had burnt valves except on the IOE engine. I cannot see the advantage of widening it unless you are expecting valve seat recession. Apart from increased noise, widening the gap will reduce both the opening angle of the valve and the maximum opening, as well as the actual valve timing. While the effect will be fairly small for that amount of increase, none of these effects would improve engine performance.

John

[gromit]

I'll just ask straight up, Penrite Trans Gear 75w80 Semi-Synth, yay or nay? It's not the only GL4 readily available, but it is a reasonable price considering how much is needed if I service regularly, with a Fairey overdrive as well.

Penrite Trans Gear Oil - 75W-80, 2.5 Litre - Supercheap Auto (http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Product/Penrite-Trans-Gear-Oil-75W-80-2-5-Litre/396360)



It's worth looking around for a local oil blender.
I'm paying less that that for 5litres of 75W/90 direct from a blender.

Colin

[chazza]

I'll just ask straight up, Penrite Trans Gear 75w80 Semi-Synth, yay or nay?

Penrite make Classic oils for older cars; they recommended I use them, rather than the semi-synth, because of the bronze bush issue,

Cheers Charlie

[Cowboy Don]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I'll look into 'oil blenders' in Adelaide, sounds like a great way to go, especially for the quantities needed.

[inch]

And I'm going to take the plunge! EP90 draining out of the Tx case as we speak and 75/80 Penrite waiting to go in...

Tappets staying at 0.11

Just got to finish my Coffee first