The Ford Barn

len · 10-18-2014, 09:16 AM

All I have been able to find is the 85-90 GL5 gear oil is this the correct
oil to use. Thanks

rotorwrench · 10-18-2014, 10:08 AM

The old manuals only state not to use hypoid lube which is GL-5. They state to use mild EP lube which was GL-3. Even though GL-3 is an obsolete rating I think there are still a few companies that blend it but you have to special order it. The GL-4 lubes have more extra pressure additive than the old GL-3 did but how much is too much, i don't know. Personally, I think they would be OK in there and NAPA sells Sta-Lube brand GL-4. If you want to use something that may be easier to get and more like GL-3, you can look for straight grade SAE 40 motor oil in cooler climates and SAE 50 in warmer climates. These motor oils are the same viscosity as SAE 80 and 90 gear lubes respectively since they aren't graded the same way. A lot of the old timers recommend the heavy motor oils. One reason is the yellow metals and the other is the sprag clutch for not using high EP lubricants.

I use Aeroshell 100W in mine since I also use it in the helicopter engines. This oil is a grade 100 SAE-50 aircraft motor oil with only ashless dispersant as an additive. Straight mineral Aeroshell 100 can also be used as it would be a GL-1 type but Aeroshell 100W plus (+) can not because the additive will cause the sprag clutch to slip so you might be better off just finding an automotive grade motor oil. They are around 80 grade and would work just fine in an overdrive.

Bill S · 10-18-2014, 10:44 AM

Sta-Lube has GL4.

billh49ford · 10-18-2014, 05:05 PM

Coastal makes a 140 weight GL-1. Fifth Avenue Internet Garage has a 90 weight GL-1. You would need to order either one.

rotorwrench · 10-19-2014, 10:38 AM

Those little R10 planet gears don't like SAE 140. It would work OK in the transmission side but some with leak over to the overdrive end.

Ardun · 10-24-2014, 01:48 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Use Gl-1. Available at Napa

corvette8n · 10-25-2014, 12:06 PM

I also bought GL-1 from Tractor Supply.

10-18-2014, 09:16 AM	#1
len Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 75	53 overdrive recomended oil All I have been able to find is the 85-90 GL5 gear oil is this the correct oil to use. Thanks

10-18-2014, 10:08 AM	#2
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,431	Re: 53 overdrive recomended oil The old manuals only state not to use hypoid lube which is GL-5. They state to use mild EP lube which was GL-3. Even though GL-3 is an obsolete rating I think there are still a few companies that blend it but you have to special order it. The GL-4 lubes have more extra pressure additive than the old GL-3 did but how much is too much, i don't know. Personally, I think they would be OK in there and NAPA sells Sta-Lube brand GL-4. If you want to use something that may be easier to get and more like GL-3, you can look for straight grade SAE 40 motor oil in cooler climates and SAE 50 in warmer climates. These motor oils are the same viscosity as SAE 80 and 90 gear lubes respectively since they aren't graded the same way. A lot of the old timers recommend the heavy motor oils. One reason is the yellow metals and the other is the sprag clutch for not using high EP lubricants. I use Aeroshell 100W in mine since I also use it in the helicopter engines. This oil is a grade 100 SAE-50 aircraft motor oil with only ashless dispersant as an additive. Straight mineral Aeroshell 100 can also be used as it would be a GL-1 type but Aeroshell 100W plus (+) can not because the additive will cause the sprag clutch to slip so you might be better off just finding an automotive grade motor oil. They are around 80 grade and would work just fine in an overdrive. Last edited by rotorwrench; 10-18-2014 at 10:20 AM.

10-18-2014, 10:44 AM	#3
Bill S Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: H.B. So. Calif Posts: 411	Re: 53 overdrive recomended oil Sta-Lube has GL4.

10-18-2014, 05:05 PM	#4
billh49ford Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: St Louis Posts: 9	Re: 53 overdrive recomended oil Coastal makes a 140 weight GL-1. Fifth Avenue Internet Garage has a 90 weight GL-1. You would need to order either one.

10-19-2014, 10:38 AM	#5
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,431	Re: 53 overdrive recomended oil Those little R10 planet gears don't like SAE 140. It would work OK in the transmission side but some with leak over to the overdrive end.

10-24-2014, 01:48 PM	#6
Ardun Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Reno Posts: 171	Re: 53 overdrive recomended oil Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Use Gl-1. Available at Napa

10-25-2014, 12:06 PM	#7
corvette8n Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: 36 miles north of Albany NY Posts: 2,950	Re: 53 overdrive recomended oil I also bought GL-1 from Tractor Supply.