[Vwdiesel] Transmission fluid draining

[Roger Brown]

Area31 Research Facility wrote:
> I'm assuming the designation GL here means Gear Lubricant?  How does one
> determine if their gear oil is Gl-4, or GL-5?
> 
> I have some Shell EP-50 (that's all that is marked on the top of the drum,
> and I gather that means Extreme Pressure) and it is old (yeah OK so is all
> dino oil by definition but I think this stuff was refined maybe in the 60's
> so it is likly not synthetic)..  I got a couple of sealed 45 gallon drums of
> the stuff back on the 80's.  It has a strong sulphur smell and is quite thin
> so I'm guessing it is a straight 50 weight hypoid gear oil.  I have used it
> in car rear differentials and it is truly an excellent high pressure contact
> lubricant.  It is nice and loose in the winter and doesn't lose protection
> in the summer heat.
> 
> I'm wondering if I dare use it in my Jetta 5-speed manual.  I'm only wanting
> a thinner oil in there for better fuel economy.  If it makes it shift nicer
> that would be a bonus.  My car isn't on the road yet and the test drive was
> the only time I got to shift it while driving so I don't know if shifting is
> as good as it can be.
> 
> Rob

GL-x is the API specification for gear oil (Gear Lube), similar to the Cx and Sx specs for motor oils:

http://www.finalube.com/reference_material/API%20Automotive%20Gear%20Lubricant%20Service%20Designations.htm


-- 
    Roger