GL4

[heehaw]

i can't seem to locate 140 weight GL4 rated oil/grease; GL5 is everywhere..anyone know what the difference is??
heehaw

 

[John Morgan]

GL5 has nearly twice as much EP additives. The extra EP can cause the synchronizers to not engage properly. I know Amsoil carries a GL4 but don't know anything else about that particular product from them. I'd like to know what you find for future reference.

 

[heehaw]

i did a search for 4 vs 5 and found out just what you said: the 5 is less compatable to yellow colored metals: found a couple that named names i have never heard of, that said such an such co has the GL4: i found a GL4 and GL5 rated grease, 90 weight, at NAPA: and several synthetics that are GL4: but the transmission on my tiller leaks to bad to put something that expensive in it...for now..at least till i get the seals replaced.
heehaw

 

[heehaw]

CRC Industries Automotive Product Detail
this is a link to stalube GL4 that i was told, was available at NAPA: but it is not at my local NAPA store:
heehaw

 

[John Morgan]

I understand how you feel, I run into that nearly daily. Because the GL4 is an "older" specification, most the majors stopped making it. Unlike the CJ4 rating for engine oil it isn't backwards compatible. So now everyone, like you, are in a bad spot and paying too much. Good luck with your search.

 

[2720wes]

The only place I've found straight 140# gear oil in GL-4 or GL-1 is "trusouthoil.com". I think you can only get it in 5 gallon buckets and its expensive to ship

 

[sw03]

I use Amsoil SVG fluid for years. Unless you do an UOA on the fluid, you WILL NOT be able to tell the diff from a GL4 to GL5. Their fluid is well worth the $$$$$$.

 

[heehaw]

i'm sure synthetic is a lot better, but i look at it this way...this tiller is 30 years old, an used standard GL4 all those years, so i think it will probably outlast me if i can find it an get new grease in the transmission...
heehaw

 

[brucew44guns]

For a garden tiller, I would use either and not worry. An 85W-140 gear oil in GL-5, or use a "straight mineral oil" in 140 viscosity---a GL-1 type. Either will work fine, and I doubt you have brass parts to worry about, and if you do have them the temps are low, I don't think corrosive wear is a worry with a GL-5 product. My Troy bilt is 35 years old, had GL-5 in it all the way, hundreds of hours, still in great shape.

 

[boomer1025]

If the gear box is leaking, why not try an locate some 000 grease, that's what King kutter is using in their tillers, you might want to check the JD corn head grease also.