2000 Touring; Need to change gearbox lubricant

[quasi]

Hello All,

Just wondering if anyone could help with the type of gearbox lubricant and rear end lubricant that is correct for a 1959 2000 Touring. Also, any ideas on availablity. Thank you.

Mark

[gxg95]

Mark: The maintenance plate on my 102 calls for either Energol SAE 90 or Dentax 90 for the transmission. The lubricant for the rear is specified as either the same Energol 90, or alternatively, Shell Spirax 90. I think both the Shell products are available, but probably only in larger quantities from Shell distributors.

I know others on the board here have discussed acceptable alternatives that are probably more readily available, but these are what was specified at the time of manufacture.

[tubut]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gxg95 The lubricant for the rear is specified as either the same Energol 90, or alternatively, Shell Spirax 90.

[tubut]

FYI, here is Red Line's response:

Quote:

Ruedi, Thank you for contacting Red Line Oil, for both the non-moly and moly synchro equipped gearboxes I would recommend the MT-90, pre '68 Alfa, in the differential I would recommend the 75W90. Regards, Dave Red Line Oil

[twoliterlover]

Sorry to pontificate, but I speak with experience after running the same car since 1965. I do KNOW that Dentax 90 is the ONLY lubricant to use in a two liter Alfa IF you are still using the old synchro rings made of brass or such ever softer metal. Pre 105 series car should all use Dentax 90. The Alfa two liter series are 10200, 10204, and 10205 series cars. However, one can tear down and replace ALL of the synchro rings and collars to upgrade to the later system (like subsequent 105 series or 106 -- 2600 series cars) and use good old EP 90 oil. Dentax 90 is NOT an EP grease and NOT AS SLICK. Consequently the softer synchro rings and collars stop the spin just that tiny bit faster and do not get worn out as fast from shifting when it takes longer and more friction to stop the spin to fit the gears together.

It is still possible to get Dentax 90 from a Shell distributor. He usually wants to sell it in five gallon cans, however. It takes far far less than that to completely fill a two liter tranny. My own stash is about run out. I have two that I need to fill myself, so I will buy a five gallon can. Is is still possible to ship a couple quarts of oil by mail or by UPS? If so, I would be willing to sent some out if asked. We all want our cars to run forever, so why not have a decent shifting gear box?

[quasi]

Jay,

Thanks for your advice. I thought I remembered reading about some issue with the 102 gearbox. My guess is the gear box does not take more than about three quarts but I'm not sure. I'd be happy to split costs with you or purchase a few quarts, but I bet shipping this stuff today will be a problem. If I lived closer I would drive by to pick some up. There is a mechanic I have worked with here in the Chicago area that may have some. Do you know if the differential lubricant is "special" as well? Thanks for your help Jay!

Mark

[dretceterini]

I have had a number of 102s and 106s, but it has been about 8 years since I had one. I always used Dentax 80/90 for the trans in BOTH 102s and 106s. Never had a problem.

I just contacted the local Shell distributor (Albina Oil, Portland, Oregon) and they haven't stocked the Dentax 80/90 since 2001! They will NOT special order small quantities directly from Shell. There are, however, some distributors elsewhere in the country that might still have stock.

I then called Shell Corporate's tech dept, and they said their Morlina SD150, which is an industrial item, is virtually the same as Dentax 80/90. This item IS available from the local distributor in a minimum 5 gallon size.

It might be easier just to change to modern synchros.


I didn't ask about the availability of Spirax 90EP (for the diff) which is what I always used. I don't know if there is an available equivalent...

[gxg95]

A local Shell distributor, if they stocked the right oils, is the best bet, but for what it is worth I bought my lubricants from, of all places, Maine Potato Growers, Inc. by phone. They list both the Dentax and the Spirax on their website. They were more than happy to ship the containers to me. I have not checked with them to see if both oils are still available.

Maine - Texaco Lubricants, Gasoline, Fuel Oil

The Spirax I bought (by the quart) was the EP variety, and the Dentax came only in 5 gallon pails, as Jay has pointed out.

George

[technobob]

Quote:

Originally Posted by twoliterlover Sorry to pontificate, but I speak with experience after running the same car since 1965. I do KNOW that Dentax 90 is the ONLY lubricant to use in a two liter Alfa IF you are still using the old synchro rings made of brass or such ever softer metal. Pre 105 series car should all use Dentax 90. The Alfa two liter series are 10200, 10204, and 10205 series cars. However, one can tear down and replace ALL of the synchro rings and collars to upgrade to the later system (like subsequent 105 series or 106 -- 2600 series cars) and use good old EP 90 oil. Dentax 90 is NOT an EP grease and NOT AS SLICK. Consequently the softer synchro rings and collars stop the spin just that tiny bit faster and do not get worn out as fast from shifting when it takes longer and more friction to stop the spin to fit the gears together. It is still possible to get Dentax 90 from a Shell distributor. He usually wants to sell it in five gallon cans, however. It takes far far less than that to completely fill a two liter tranny. My own stash is about run out. I have two that I need to fill myself, so I will buy a five gallon can. Is is still possible to ship a couple quarts of oil by mail or by UPS? If so, I would be willing to sent some out if asked. We all want our cars to run forever, so why not have a decent shifting gear box?

[quasi]

Thanks everyone for your involvement. I was able to order a 5 gallon "can" of Dentax 85/90 from Ed Magillicuty of Maine Potatoe Growers, Inc (800) 649-3358 for $49 and a few quarts of Spirax 80/90 EP for $5.95/ Qt. Fed Ex shipping to Chicago was about $25. Ed said they have about 10 units left of the Dentax 85/90. Thanks all!

[randymo9]

have used synthetic gear oil in my 102 trans for last 6 years with no problems randy

[dretceterini]

Quote:

Originally Posted by randymo9 have used synthetic gear oil in my 102 trans for last 6 years with no problems randy