Top up gearbox oil - away from home.

[Treeman]

Miles from home and need to top up the gearbox oil. Small leak from gearbox seal has meant a bit of fluid loss over the last thousand miles. I recollect 75w90 API GL5 but 2 motorcycle shops I've stopped in so far are unable to help (and my Portuguese is poor) can anyone advise what to use. I've seen Castrol Syntrax and Syntrans in shops back home but off hand can't remember what to use.
Not good wifi or phone here so only time for a quick post on here and I can check replies later.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Have you actually checked the level? You may find you have only lost a few mill and it's nothing to worry about.

 

[AustinW]

In an emergency (a genuine one that is) any oil is better than no oil - but gaan canny. Even better though is something approximately right, but as Bilco says check you really need any first. I wouldn't like to say how low you could go before damage but I suspect there's a margin.

A quick google shows the following 75/90 Synthetic gear oils on page 1 of the search :

CAstrol Syntax (the recommended one)

Mobil Delvac 1 Gear Oil LS 75W-90

HYPOX WS LSD 75W-90/75W-140

Fuchs Titan Sintopoid

LiquiMoly 75/90

Eaton 75/90

Millers Oil CRX 75/90 NT

and a list of oil suppliers in Portugal http://www.europages.co.uk/companies/Portugal/lubricants.html

(I tried to copy and paste the details but the web page dent format too well on here)

good luck.

 

[Hoff]

Gearbox Oil

Where are you in Portugal?
If you are near Albufeira then PM me.
Happy to help if possible.
BTW I get my 75/90 GL5 from either a BMW dealer or a store called Norauto.
Paul

 

[Treeman]

Thanks for replies. Sagres is closest town.
Yep, been checking levels and it's probably about 2 to 3mm below the lip so thinking its time to top up.
Thanks for the specific Portugal advice, I've noted the relevant bits and will go track them down. I'm pretty sure there's a Norauto not too far away.
Thank you again - really appreciated.

 

[DrFarkoff]

Thanks for replies. Sagres is closest town.
Yep, been checking levels and it's probably about 2 to 3mm below the lip so thinking its time to top up.
Thanks for the specific Portugal advice, I've noted the relevant bits and will go track them down. I'm pretty sure there's a Norauto not too far away.
Thank you again - really appreciated.

2 to 3mm? unless you are riding like a loon thrashing the hell out of it? I wouldn't worry too much, I doubt that it will take much more than 50 to 100ml max

if you get gear oil you MUST get GL5 specification the viscosity 75w90 eo 80 ep 90 etc etc isn't important but the specification is!

 

[Bendy toy]

The bike uses the same stuff used in most car gearboxes so it should be easy enough to get at a petrol station. However, 3mm low will not be an issue. The level can vary that much out just by long having the bike perfectly level when checking the gear oil.

I've gone over to 75-140 in the FD and gearbox. I suspect the gear shift is smoother but it may well be all in my head.

What caused the oil leak?

Mine leaked when the exhaust hanger came loose. It uses two of the gearbox screws that will leak if not done up correctly.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

2 to 3mm? unless you are riding like a loon thrashing the hell out of it? I wouldn't worry too much, I doubt that it will take much more than 50 to 100ml max

Spot on mate. I had a gearbox seal leak a few years ago and it always looks worse than it is. I think I rode about 3000 miles before I could get it done and although I checked the gearbox level a couple of times, it didn't seem to lose much at all.

 

[DrFarkoff]

Bendy be careful with statements like that, as "most" cars use GL4 spec oil for gearboxes with Brass synchro rings. I am not saying you are wrong but that some folks (who are not as up to date with BM stuff) would take it as gospel and then you would be blamed

Using GL4 in a BM box (Up to but not including Transverse 4 and Watercooled boxer, Check your manual for those!) will lead to early gear teeth erosion and failure Possibly extreme failure!

GL5 spec must always be used

The bike uses the same stuff used in most car gearboxes so it should be easy enough to get at a petrol station