REDline MTL or ATF

[bojangles]

anybody know what works best in our gearboxes? some BMW cars are better with auto fluid in the manual boxes.. others use the manual stuff.
Bruce

[lotusguy]

Hi,

You DEFINITELY DO NOT want to put ATF in your gearbox. It has entirely different qualities than those required, from temperature stability to compressability, to chemical makeup.

Lotus designated SAE 80 API GL5 gear lube. This is because as a transaxel, the lube has to do double duty, namely perform as a transmission oil and at the same time as a differential oil, hence the GL5 requirement.

However, Lotus (or more likely Citroen/Renault) made this designation in the 1960's when synthetics were not generally available. Since that time, both Mobil 1 and Red Line MT90 have been produced and either does a good job. Many, including myself, feel that the MT90 does a slightly better job as it is slightly less slippery aiding in the operation of the synchros. Happy Motoring!... Jim'85TE

>> Edited by lotusguy on Wednesday 17th March 00:06

[lotusespritworld]

Lotus recommend only Castrol TAF-X 75W/90 and for continuously very low ambient temperatures use Mobil SHC 75W/90.

Anybody know if these are still available?

kato
Lotus Esprit World

[dictys]

Kato,

have a look here

www.unicornmotor.com/castrol_classic_oils.htm

Rgds
Dictys
www.turbor.co.uk

[feffman]

BoJangles:

I've religously changed the tranny fluid on all my previous and current Esprit(s) to RedLine MT90 and love it. Seems to engage gears easier when it's hot or cold.

Mark Pfeffer

[bojangles]

any body have the fill amount for an S4S?
I need an owners handbook, but 175 USD!!!! wow,
Is there anyway to tell if I already have redline in there? is the stuff red?

[JK1]

Bruce,

tranny capacity is 3 litres or 3.2 quarts.

FWIW, If you are going to work on your own car you really need to break down and buy the Service Notes and Parts List.

One or two screwups by not following the proper procedures will cost you more than the manuals.

You can find them on ebay occasionally and even the cd's you can buy there for 10-15 bucks are better than nothing.

my .02

[bojangles]

i have the 1500 page service manual, pdf format, it just is kinda hard to look up things like fluid capacities,,, scrolling on my screen.

I need an owner's handbook, but that is way expensive at 175 compared to the 10 CD for the manual.