Anyone tried the Lucas-recommended mix of 80W-90 and Heavy Duty Oil Stabilizer?

[Pat Martone]

I was wondering if anyone has tried the Lucas-recommended transmission fluid mixture of 50/50 Lucas 80W-90 and Lucas Heavy Duty Oil Stabilizer?

(Lucas recommended this mixture to me via email, and I also noticed the same mixture posted last week on fordbarn.)

I am curious to hear if it reduces gear-grinding during upshifts and downshifts.

Thanks.

[Kirby1374]

Out here in the Northwest we have a product called Power Punch which is very think and sticky like Lucas Heavy Duty stabilizer. I have used the Power Punch at almost 100% and it seems to work great.

[Pastor Bill]

I have not used it yet, but I have purchased them from NAPA, will mix it and put it in the transmission and differential of my 29 Tudor this week. I'll reply again as soon as I drive it

[Richard Wilson]

Quite a few years ago local guys would mix 80-90 with STP.

[mmindling]

Recently added Lucas Stabilizer to 600W from Vintage at about 30:70 proportion and filled gearbox in my 28 phaeton, which has been suffering from gear grinding. It helped a bit and a side benefit seems to be that the persistent fluid leaks coming from the end bearings and dripping on the floor has stopped, even though I filled the box to the top of the filler opening. The Stabilizer is a thick honey-colored fluid which barely pours but seems good for our straight cut gears. I recommend this mix.

[mngreen]

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Originally Posted by mmindling

Recently added Lucas Stabilizer to 600W from Vintage at about 30:70 proportion and filled gearbox in my 28 phaeton, which has been suffering from gear grinding. It helped a bit and a side benefit seems to be that the persistent fluid leaks coming from the end bearings and dripping on the floor has stopped, even though I filled the box to the top of the filler opening. The Stabilizer is a thick honey-colored fluid which barely pours but seems good for our straight cut gears. I recommend this mix.

Mr. Mindling:

Would you kindly translate 30:70 proportion into an easy mixing direction, just for us feable minded non-math types? I want to try that.

Thanks!

[1931 flamingo]

3 oz (30):7oz(70) or approx 2 to 1.
Paul in CT

[mngreen]

Thanks!

[Terry, NJ]

If I may interject a point here, Your Trans was leaking 600W and the stabilizer stopped it? Hmmmm Sounds like you've got some problems coming up! But then, wouldn't the Lucas hub oil do the same thing? (Thick lube to help with the shifting and sticky qualities to stay inside the box) With no experience with either, I'm leaning towards a lowered level of hub oil myself. I think the key is the oil level. lowering the oil level theoretically, keeps most of the gear out of the oil. If not enough of the gear is in the oil, then you can add some oil to raise the level. Suggestions?

[Ca. Kid]

Would it also work in the steering box like Penrite?

[mmindling]

OK, let me first say that I am not a technician, much less a petroleum engineer. Only a hobby guy with a Model A.

The situation is that my local auto supply store had the Lucas Stabilizer but no other Lucas Products. However, I had a supply of "600W" from Vintage Autos on hand. So I went about mixing them according to the percentage on the Lucas bottle, as if the 600W were the Lucas heavy oil.

From a "do no harm" perspective, I can't see that it hurts anything. The combination "cocktail" is definitely thicker and more viscous straight 600W.

As to leaking with pure 600W, the stuff gets splashed around enough to leak out no matter what the level. The gearbox is now filled to the same level as before, but with the cocktail mix. For some reason, it is not dribbling like before, so I am thankful although I can't explain it. Just a side benefit.

Regards,

Martin [email protected]

[H. L. Chauvin]

Originally Posted by Pat Martone

I was wondering if anyone has tried the Lucas-recommended transmission fluid mixture of 50/50 Lucas 80W-90 and Lucas Heavy Duty Oil Stabilizer?

(Lucas recommended this mixture to me via email, and I also noticed the same mixture posted last week on fordbarn.)

I am curious to hear if it reduces gear-grinding during upshifts and downshifts.

Thanks.

Pat,

So hilarious for some!

You asked one (1) simple & direct question for specific results of blending only two (2) specific petroleum products.

Numerous different comments with not one (1) answer even coming close to your question for this specific blend.

Some may not look at these comments like this, but for some, these non-answers are almost like a comedy program.

Similar to a newly-wed housewife asking for a recipe to make biscuits, & she gets multiple forum answers on how to make corn bread or fry eggplants with a batter. Maybe not noticeable, but happens often on all Forums

[Richard Wilson]

"Numerous different comments with not one (1) answer even coming close to your question for this specific blend."

And now you just added one more.

[H. L. Chauvin]

Good point!

So did you Richard.

In our declaring equality, we can continue to smile & thoroughly enjoy reading friendly messages on Model A Forums.

[wayne1426]

I bought these two Lucas products this afternoon at our local Tractor Supply store. Poured them into an empty ice cream pail and mixed them up. Poured the mix back into the two bottles and labeled them. Tomorrow I will actually put the mix in my tranny and see what happens. I will let you know. I am draining whatever was in the tranny now overnight. Whatever was in there has been there for a very long time.

[Mikeinnj]

I don't get it....Twenty years ago I bought a 5 gallon pail of 600W from a Shell Oil Distribution depot. I put it in the trans and have been driving with no grinding and no leaks. Why is everyone now making this Lucas witches brew ?

[Richard Wilson]

Originally Posted by H. L. Chauvin

Good point!

So did you Richard.

In our declaring equality, we can continue to smile & thoroughly enjoy reading friendly messages on Model A Forums.

I agree totally! Sometimes fun is where you find it.

[Pat Martone]

Well, today I removed my straight STP that's been in my gear box for two months (500 miles); it was blackish in color but looked OK and it looked just like the previous 600W fluid that I removed about 500 miles ago.
I was pleased that the straight STP did result in a little bit less gear grinding than the 600W, but I am searching for even less gear grinding.
Therefore, today I mixed and installed the 50/50 Lucas-recommended combination of Lucas 80W-90 and Lucas Heavy Duty Oil Stabilizer, and took my car out for a test drive.
I am disappointed to say that the I did not experience any more reduction in gear grinding than when using the straight STP; in fact, the STP might have reduced the gear grinding a little bit more than the Lucas-recommended mixture.
My next experiment might be to try a 50/50 mixture of the Lucas Heavy Duty Oil Stabilizer with straight STP, but I will give myself maybe a couple of months to evaluate the Lucas mixture, before trying this new and unscientifically evaluated concoction.
I am hoping to discover a thicker and stickier fluid to reduce gear grinding a little bit more.
'Just wanted to share my experience; of course your results may vary.
Thank you again for all of the informative replies which I have carefully studied.

[Richard Wilson]

Thanks for the information Pat. Please keep us updated with your experiments.

[Pat Martone]

I wonder if the 1500W Gear Oil from Restoration Supply Company, Escondido, CA (http://www.restorationstuff.com) would be "safe" to use in the Model A gearbox and provide reduced gear grinding compared to the 600W stuff available from the Model A suppliers?

[wayne1426]

I promised to report back on putting the Lucas mix into my transmission and the report is that it made no difference at all in the grinding of the gears. They still grind just great!

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by H. L. Chauvin

Pat,

So hilarious for some!

You asked one (1) simple & direct question for specific results of blending only two (2) specific petroleum products.

Numerous different comments with not one (1) answer even coming close to your question for this specific blend.

Some may not look at these comments like this, but for some, these non-answers are almost like a comedy program.

Similar to a newly-wed housewife asking for a recipe to make biscuits, & she gets multiple forum answers on how to make corn bread or fry eggplants with a batter. Maybe not noticeable, but happens often on all Forums

It comes from wanting to help no matter what.
I know that I have picked up great tips from the "off topic" postings.

[Brobrian]

We've been discussing this for a while now. I too have been experimenting. Since the Lucas rep recommended against straight Hub Oil in the trans and diff. I mixed up 50/50 hub oil and 600w from Snyders. Only been a few miles, but it's not as quiet as with straight Hub Oil. Still, quieting the gears isn't the only factor we're looking for. We've mentioned preventing foaming, slowing leaks, and, of course, we'd have to run each mixture for many miles to see if there are differences in wear on gears.
I'll stick with the 509/50 mix I've got now for a year and see what happens.

[Texas Tom]

I'm restoring a 1930 fordor and am about three months away from being able to drive it. I've restored the trans and differential, and am considering using Lucas Oil Stabilizer mixed (50:50?) with Lucas 90-140 gear oil (rather than Lucas 40-90 oil) for both the trans and rear end.

Has anyone tried this combination?

I recall that the late Roger Kaufman used to advise in his tech column in MARC's magazine that he used 100% STP in his trans, had been doing it for several years, and was extremely satisfied with the result. Don't recall if he used STP in his differential.

[jmeckel]

I just put 100% LUCAS heavy oil stablizer in my Tudor's transmission, only had time to drive it 4 miles between thunderstorms. Seemed very good. Will see how it works after a much longer drive.

[Louis]

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Originally Posted by Texas Tom

I'm restoring a 1930 fordor and am about three months away from being able to drive it. I've restored the trans and differential, and am considering using Lucas Oil Stabilizer mixed (50:50?) with Lucas 90-140 gear oil (rather than Lucas 40-90 oil) for both the trans and rear end.

Has anyone tried this combination?

I recall that the late Roger Kaufman used to advise in his tech column in MARC's magazine that he used 100% STP in his trans, had been doing it for several years, and was extremely satisfied with the result. Don't recall if he used STP in his differential.

Mr. Kaufman did use stright STP in his trans. and diff. for 125000 miles with no problems,
[From his tech. column]

[mngreen]

Originally Posted by jmeckel

I just put 100% LUCAS heavy oil stablizer in my Tudor's transmission, only had time to drive it 4 miles between thunderstorms. Seemed very good. Will see how it works after a much longer drive.

I am going to try doing this also over the weekend; please report back your findings and I will do likewise.

Thanks!

Mike Green

[mngreen]

Well, I drained my tranny and differential and replaced the old 600W with 100% Lucas heavy oil stabilizer.

Results? No difference at all from 600W.

Maybe it will not leak as much though! Next time straight 600W for me.

[MALAK]

I'm running Mobilgear 600 XP 680 with about 1 pint Lucas oil stabilizer mixed in. I just recently added the Lucas to the gear oil and noticed a slight improvement. Personally I can't imagine any better shifting in a straight cut, un-syncronized transmission.

I asked this question in another thread and got no response so I'll ask it here:
Can anyone give a good reason why such a heavy oil is being used in the differential?

[Terry, NJ]

In a synchromesh transmisson it wouldn't be necessary. These are straight cut, non synchro gearboxes and the heavy oil slows the gears down while you shift. Oils as light as ATF have been used in modern, synchromesh, helically cut gear, transmissions with no problems. This helps gas mileage immensely, but it would probably be very difficult to shift.
Terry

Originally Posted by MALAK

I'm running Mobilgear 600 XP 680 with about 1 pint Lucas oil stabilizer mixed in. I just recently added the Lucas to the gear oil and noticed a slight improvement. Personally I can't imagine any better shifting in a straight cut, un-syncronized transmission.

I asked this question in another thread and got no response so I'll ask it here:
Can anyone give a good reason why such a heavy oil is being used in the differential?

[western77]

I put the Lucas 80-90w and oil stabilizer mixed 1:1 in the transmission, drove 1300 miles and can't see any difference in shifting from the 600w oil from Snyders. JB

[MALAK]

Originally Posted by Terry, NJ

In a synchromesh transmisson it wouldn't be necessary. These are straight cut, non synchro gearboxes and the heavy oil slows the gears down while you shift. Oils as light as ATF have been used in modern, synchromesh, helically cut gear, transmissions with no problems. This helps gas mileage immensely, but it would probably be very difficult to shift.
Terry

Thanks for the response Terry but I think you misunderstood my question. I completely get why the heavy oil is necessary in the transmission but not the differential (rear axle). The internal construction of a Model A differential is similar to that of a modern auto. Hypoid ring/pinion and bevel cut axle gears mated to a spider. No shifting involved. So why the heavy oil?

[columbiA]

I find that if you master the art of double clutching,there will be no gear grinding wether you use the 600w from the vendors or a 140 gear oil. 90 gear oil is fine for rear ends.Years ago when I used A,s as daily drivers,I would use140 in the trans for summer & 90 in the winter.If you tried to use 600 W in-30* temps,you would stall the engine when you let out the clutch.

[Terry, NJ]

Yeah, I realized that, was going to change it and the phone rang then I went to eat to eat. The answer is (AFAIK)to keep the oil away from the brakes ????
Terry

Originally Posted by MALAK

Thanks for the response Terry but I think you misunderstood my question. I completely get why the heavy oil is necessary in the transmission but not the differential (rear axle). The internal construction of a Model A differential is similar to that of a modern auto. Hypoid ring/pinion and bevel cut axle gears mated to a spider. No shifting involved. So why the heavy oil?

[oldredford]

I reduced all my gear grinding with a Mitchell syncro transmission. Hope this helps.

[eagle]

If you shift up at low RPMs and double clutch when downshifting, you can eliminate grinding. Read the original owner's manual! I use hub oil and the trans is as smooth as glass. The hub oil did fade somewhat after about 200 miles but still, whenthe gears slide in, the "click" is not at all harsh like it was. MUCH better than the 600W I bought from Mac's. Night and day difference really. When I change it out next year I will use the stabilizer.

[MrTube]

Originally Posted by Brobrian

We've been discussing this for a while now. I too have been experimenting. Since the Lucas rep recommended against straight Hub Oil in the trans and diff. I mixed up 50/50 hub oil and 600w from Snyders. Only been a few miles, but it's not as quiet as with straight Hub Oil. Still, quieting the gears isn't the only factor we're looking for. We've mentioned preventing foaming, slowing leaks, and, of course, we'd have to run each mixture for many miles to see if there are differences in wear on gears.
I'll stick with the 509/50 mix I've got now for a year and see what happens.

So wait,

A sales person from Lucas recommended against using only a product from another manufacture? I find that hard to believe....

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by columbiA

I find that if you master the art of double clutching,there will be no gear grinding wether you use the 600w from the vendors or a 140 gear oil. 90 gear oil is fine for rear ends.Years ago when I used A,s as daily drivers,I would use140 in the trans for summer & 90 in the winter.If you tried to use 600 W in-30* temps,you would stall the engine when you let out the clutch.

Being I know little about this subject, but this comment seems to be the way things should be. It is an "art" to double clutch.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

My Lord, I can't believe all this gobbeldy gook I've just read! We're not going to "re-engineer" the shifting characteristics of a Model A by some witch's brews! The secret to shifting is just to be patient & wait. Why waste gas & power just churning around un-needed GOO!
Some "brews" remind me of a bartender trying to cover up the awful taste of some of his "HOOCH!" Bill W.

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

My Lord, I can't believe all this gobbeldy gook I've just read! We're not going to "re-engineer" the shifting characteristics of a Model A by some witch's brews! The secret to shifting is just to be patient & wait. Why waste gas & power just churning around un-needed GOO!
Some "brews" remind me of a bartender trying to cover up the awful taste of some of his "HOOCH!" Bill W.

its called reinventing the wheel

[jmeckel]

Originally Posted by jmeckel

I just put 100% LUCAS heavy oil stablizer in my Tudor's transmission, only had time to drive it 4 miles between thunderstorms. Seemed very good. Will see how it works after a much longer drive.

I now have over 200 miles on the oil, it is working great, much better than the 600w I had in it, which was ok, and way better than the 80-90 the guy before me used.