Manual Transmission Fluid

OhioTec1 · Post by **OhioTec1** » 16 Sep 2011, 17:29

Greetings Everyone,

After much research and subsequent frustration, I am still not sure what viscosity of manual transmission fluid/gear lube to use (94 850 n/a 5 speed). Haynes and the owner's manual suggests Volvo synthetic transaxle fluid and Redline suggested 70W80, however, the lowest viscosity I can find in any local store is 75W90. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 16 Sep 2011, 18:22

Many say the Redline works well. The stupid expensive Volvo stuff will always work just fine.

I tried Royal Purple 75W90 which claimed it was GL4 compatible and the shifting is notchy until things come up to temperature. It turns out it is really GL5 and it is just too slick to let the synchros work correctly. On the "to do list" is to drain out the Royal Purple and replace it with the Volvo branded stuff.

...Lee

Post by **renns** » 17 Sep 2011, 05:11

Volvo owners on another board researched Volvo's manual gearbox oil, and found it to be equivalent to 5W30 Mobil1 synthetic engine oil. Based on that research, I've used the 5w30 synthetic in both my Volvos, and have had no issues whatsoever.

OhioTec1 · Post by **OhioTec1** » 21 Sep 2011, 17:16

Thanks, Lee and Renns. I will go ahead and try a flush and refill with 5W30 for now and see how it goes; I think the transaxle/clutch may be in need of more major service in the next 6 months or so; we'll see how it goes. Thanks guys

zanzabar · Post by **zanzabar** » 21 Sep 2011, 23:39

Redline MTL works great for me. It's a 75w/80w, but apparently closer to a 70/85. I tried MT90, it was too thick.
Some info:
http://www.stealth316.com/2-mtl-tech.htm

Post by **Juan62** » 22 Sep 2011, 04:14

If you car has a M56 (Manual Tranny), then use the Volvo Gear Oil, Part #1161745.