[ausev] Differential & Transmission Lubricant Advice Needed

[jefoy at mindspring.com]

Logical choices would be:

ATF (automatic transmission fluid) - lighter viscosity than traditional gear oil but still has the pressure additives to lubricate gears.

Diesel grade engine oil: More pressure additives than gasoline engine oil. I have used Amsoil diesel grade 15-40W for years in Honda and Volkswagen front wheel drive race cars.

Specialty racing gear oil: available in low viscosity grades for low horsepower classes like Formula Ford, Formula V, etc. May not have the same long-life characteristics as traditional oil as it is designed to be changed frequently. I have seen as low as 5W gear oil for use in the transaxle on a Formula Ford.

Many small car manufacturers already recommend engine oil for the transaxle as the weight and power don't require the heavier oil and it gives better fuel economy. Synthetic oil is more expensive than regular oil but in the small quantities required for gear boxes, why skimp.

Hope that helps,
Jack Foy

-----Original Message-----
>From: Wieser Scott <Scott.Wieser at irs.gov>
>Sent: Nov 6, 2007 6:21 PM
>To: AustinEV News Announcements and General Discussion <ausev at austinev.org>
>Subject: [ausev] Differential & Transmission Lubricant Advice Needed
>
>Hello,
>
>I have a question about the viscosity and type of differential & manual
>transmission lube should I use for my EV? 
>
>Bob Brant's "Build Your Own Electric Vehicle" states - "... less wear
>and tear on the gears means you can use a lighter viscosity lubricant
>and recover additional benefit of further increase efficiency."
>Michael P. Brown's "Convert It" states - "When you reinstall the
>transmission, you will want to fill it with a low-friction synthetic
>oil."
>
>I can't find a recommended viscosity and type of fluid in either book.
>
>Any help would be appreciated.
>
>Thank you,
> 
>Scott Wieser
>Office   512-460-8611
>Mobile  512-293-3949
>
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