4 speeds and colder temperatures.

[Cornpatch MO]

It is in the 1969 service manual, PG 21-29.

"Fill transmission with Multi-Purpose Gear Oil SAE 140.
If shift effort becomes extremely high during cold weather, Multi-Purpose Gear Oil SAE 80 or 90 should be used.
Automatic Transmission Fluid AQ-ATF Suffix “A” (Dexron) may also be used in extremely cold climates."

Very good info.............Thanks ! ...........................MO

 

[kiwigtx]

How many people actually drive their 4 speed cars in the winter? To me the point is mute.

I do, but then we don't get snow here....until we drive up mountains and high altitude rural highways.

 

[Cornpatch MO]

How many people actually drive their 4 speed cars in the winter? To me the point is mute.

You guys in the endless Summer State need to experience REAL Winter ! Back in the late 60's-early 70's our 4 speed muscle cars were our daily drivers. Even during extremely cold. So the Service manuals for those years , gave recommendations for all temp ranges. Like Dan Brewer says " you ask 10 different people, you may get 10 different opinions. " ....................................MO

 

[5.7 hemi]

I forget that some people can't drive the "muscle" during the winter due to snow/ice etc. and some can due to location. I just have this picture in my mind of must of our members east of California getting their cars set up for hibernation for the winter.

 

[Cornpatch MO]

I forget that some people can't drive the "muscle" during the winter due to snow/ice etc. and some can due to location. I just have this picture in my mind of must of our members east of California getting their cars set up for hibernation for the winter.

Yes, for the most part. I won't allow my car to be on roads that may have salt residue. I am just trying to figger out how different lubes in 4 speeds affect their operation and if a different lube may help my problem. Recommended from ATF to 140 weight is a mighty big range !!...............................MO

 

[BeeKool]

Sometimes it's nice to take them out for 1 last cruise in mid October. When there's no salt yet, but the cold air makes her run nice.

 

[440+6]

I take my car out throughout the winter when the roads are clean and I'm in Michigan, no problem shifting here.
Centerforce dual friction, I have 80-90 gl4 for about 3 years now, the other 35 years it's been 140 gl4, not much of a difference even in winter IMO.

 

[TxDon]

I just talked to Brewers Performance and they told me why they recommend the 80W90 GL4.. It has mostly to do with how the syncros work. The inside surface of them has a fine thread-like appearance. they are designed to grip onto the smooth surface that they slide on to. Since an internal view is not possible with a tranny that is still together, those fine grooves can become worn and flattened, therefore not gripping as they should. . They are not supposed to be "slick" and that is why GL5 is not recommended, as it has friction modifiers in it similar to what limited slip differentials use. The GL4 does not have those additives.
My assumption is that synthetic and other "super slick" oils should not be used for that reason.
..................................MO

Plenty of opinions as usual, I trust Brewers and use the Stalube 85W90 GL-4 in my rebuilt trans, shifts perfect. Another reason to not use GL-5 in older transmissions is they use bronze and brass parts, the sulfur in GL-5 will eat that stuff up!

 

[Cornpatch MO]

Plenty of opinions as usual, I trust Brewers and use the Stalube 85W90 GL-4 in my rebuilt trans, shifts perfect. Another reason to not use GL-5 in older transmissions is they use bronze and brass parts, the sulfur in GL-5 will eat that stuff up!

I forgot to mention the GL-4 is not detrimental to bronze and brass like others can be.
I should have asked their opinion of synthetic lubes. .............................MO

 

[moparwacko]

More, definitely sounds like a synchro issue. Brewers is spot on (ever any question?) On the need for the filming action. Theory is all over the place, but they need the film to "slow" down the preceding/trailing gear to mesh. Lots of people " rebuild" them with just bearings/synchro rings only to have the same issue. Is it always the same shift, 1-2 or all? IMHO, the most prolific abuse an 833 takes is that 1-2, and usually improves with warm up.
For this symptom, Synchro rings will get you by for a while, but its usually deeper than that. More than likely complete synchro assy, 2nd gear and worst case, mainshaft splines are shot.
All is not lost, all are available, and actually the 1-2 synchro assy (complete) from 70 & up works.
I would try all kinds of lube others have listed, but by no means GL5.
Good luck