Has anyone flushed their 3 speed OD and switched to Synthetic

[Howard Tarnoff]

I have had my solenoid out and of course a good deal of oil has self drained from the transmission.   Thinking if I were to change to a synthetic this would be the time to do so.   Has anyone done so and what were the results? 

 

Any while I am asking (and yes I have searched) what is the total capacity of the transmission and overdrive.

 

Thanks

[austinsailor]

I thought someone would have a response by now, but I only have a question. These take GL1 normally. What would be a synthetic equivalent to GL1, if anything?

Gene

[austinsailor]

As to capacity, I changed mine recently using a gallon jug of GL1. I'd say there was about a quart left, more or less.

[JohnS48plm]

I used Amsoil in my 3speed with overdrive that I put in my 48 coupe. I ran it for 5000 miles before I sold the car. It shifted well and I never had any trouble with it. JohnS

[st63]

According to my original Mopar overdrive handbook (Borg Warner R-10 from 52 and up) the capacity was 2 3/4 pints in the transmission and another 3/4 pint in the OD unit. I've always used Lucas standard gear lube with good results.  In my experience,  switching to full synthetics can be problematic unless the entire gearbox and OD have been rebuilt with modern seals.  I've seen other folks change to full synthetic on old original gearboxes, and they started to leak almost immediately.  Maybe has to do with the viscosity.  

Edited June 10, 2016 by st63

[greg g]

You also need to make sure the lubricants are not containing additives made specifically for helical gears. They are not kind to brass and bronze and will have negative impact on your synchronizers.

[st63]

These guys know their BW OD's.   Scroll down to the section covering gear lube, and you'll see the advice about sticking to NON synthetic, and also addressing the issues Greg G brought up about brass and bronze gears.  

 

http://www.fifthaveinternetgarage.com/overdrive_parts.php

[Howard Tarnoff]

Thanks so I'm ordering a gallon from 5th avenue (when ever they return the phone call).

Appreciate the help.

[Howard Tarnoff]

Thanks so I'm ordering a gallon from 5th avenue (when ever they return the phone call).

Appreciate the help.

[DJ194950]

I bought the same gl-1 oil from my Napa store. Had to find it myself in their book as they had never sold any as far as the counter help knew, but ordered for next day free delivery from the warehouse to the store.

 

About $13 a couple of years ago.

 

Maybe worth checking out?

 

DJ

[Jerry Roberts]

I bought the same gl-1 oil from my Napa store. Had to find it myself in their book as they had never sold any as far as the counter help knew, but ordered for next day free delivery from the warehouse to the store.

 

About $13 a couple of years ago.

 

Maybe worth checking out?

 

DJ

 I bought a gallon from NAPA recently for $38 plus tax . It looked like it had been on the shelf for a long time . I also had a little bit in a quart jug and it was honey colored , it sat for a long time and a lot of black sludge settled in the bottom . 

[st63]

Yup, I should have added that I usually buy mine from Napa...it's around 40 bucks now with tax, but you won't have shipping costs. The manufacturer is listed as Warren Unilube. 

Edited June 12, 2016 by st63

[Howard Tarnoff]

I'll check my NAPA store in the morning. Thanks

[austinsailor]

$40 at NAPA? That's crazy. I bought several gallons recently for around $14 a gallon. It's NAPA brand. I'll get the UPC later today and post it. They most likely will have to order it, but they do stock it in their warehouses. Mine had some on the shelf as someone wanted a gallon and they have to order it by the case of 4 gallons.

[Plymouthy Adams]

Napa has no less that 5 pricing tiers that I am aware of...man off the street pays max blown price...

[austinsailor]

Here's the NAPA GL-1 info:

 

 

[st63]

Pricing definitely is affected by region too....unfortunately in California everything is much higher....