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187 Posts
Hi All,
This issue has been discussed at length in other posts, but I just wanted to share my gear oil experiences with Shell Spirax HD 80W-90 and Red Line 75W-90 NS. I started using Red-Line from May 2005 at 91,162 miles and enjoyed smooth shifting experience overall. I had used Kendall previously which was ok, but Red Line seemed to improve the shifting smoothness.
Out of curiosity for the Shell Spirax HD recommended by the owner's manual, I decided to swap for it in Sep 2006 when the car had 98,537 miles, thinking that it would be a better choice. My initial observation was a higher tendency to grind when cold, but not much difference when warmed up.
Recently, at about 101,000 miles I noticed that I was grinding the 2nd gear more easily on upshifts even when warmed up (1st to 2nd)
. All this time, downshifts have been ok (I've also tried to double clutch more often).
So last weekend, I decided to switch back to Red Line at 101,357 miles, and walla! The car shifts noticeably better again, even when cold!
So FWIW, my Alfa seems to prefer the Red Line 75W-90 NS over the Shell Spirax HD 80W-90. I would recommend (at least from my experience) those of you with grinding issues to consider Red Line if all else fails before attempting a rebuild! Just remember to get the "NS"!
Cheers,
Andre
This issue has been discussed at length in other posts, but I just wanted to share my gear oil experiences with Shell Spirax HD 80W-90 and Red Line 75W-90 NS. I started using Red-Line from May 2005 at 91,162 miles and enjoyed smooth shifting experience overall. I had used Kendall previously which was ok, but Red Line seemed to improve the shifting smoothness.
Out of curiosity for the Shell Spirax HD recommended by the owner's manual, I decided to swap for it in Sep 2006 when the car had 98,537 miles, thinking that it would be a better choice. My initial observation was a higher tendency to grind when cold, but not much difference when warmed up.
Recently, at about 101,000 miles I noticed that I was grinding the 2nd gear more easily on upshifts even when warmed up (1st to 2nd)
So last weekend, I decided to switch back to Red Line at 101,357 miles, and walla! The car shifts noticeably better again, even when cold!
So FWIW, my Alfa seems to prefer the Red Line 75W-90 NS over the Shell Spirax HD 80W-90. I would recommend (at least from my experience) those of you with grinding issues to consider Red Line if all else fails before attempting a rebuild! Just remember to get the "NS"!
Cheers,
Andre