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Overdrive oil
  • Edwardjohnsr
    Posts: 145Expert Adviser
    What are people using for gear oil in their Borg Warner overdrives. I understand that a gear oil rated GL-1 is the proper stuff but I can't find it. If anyone has a source, please let me know. Or if something else works, I'll try that.

    Ed
  • 1049superg1049superg
    Posts: 402Gold Member
    I've always used automotive 90 weight gear oil (Coastal brand for now) in the BW overdrive, Hudson transmission and differential of my '50 Pacemaker Deluxe(!). So far no problems after over 26 years of using this oil in my Hudson drivetrain.
  • 37 CTS37 CTS
    Posts: 510Platinum Member
    GL-1 is available in 5 gal. pails. I obtained my by ordering it thru an oil distributer. They had to order it and it took 2 weeks.

    Their engineer was helpful in determining that Gl-1 is required when bronze bushings are present.

    I found someone with a need for GL-1 and we split a pail and serviced both our cars.
  • 51hornetA51hornetA
    Posts: 2,338Platinum Member
    Fifth Avenue sell a BW OD oil at $18 Gallon scroll down to see.



    http://www.fifthaveinternetgarage.com/parts/parts_counter_3.html
    www.hudsonmotorcar.org
  • Jon BJon B
    Posts: 4,766Moderator
    Could someone elaborate on this "GL" stuff, and why we should use it? I've been using "just any" gear oil in my 1937 rearend and 1940 overdrive, for over 30 years with no ill effects that I know of...
  • Dave53-7C
    Posts: 2,523Platinum Member
    Jon B wrote:
    Could someone elaborate on this "GL" stuff, and why we should use it? I've been using "just any" gear oil in my 1937 rearend and 1940 overdrive, for over 30 years with no ill effects that I know of...



    WOW, your rear end is 72 years old! :eek:



    Now if that's not a good testament as to what oil to use, I don't know what is.
  • Geoff C., N.Z.Geoff C., N.Z.
    Posts: 2,270Platinum Member
    The Hudson handbooks stipulate EP 80 in winter and EP 90 in summer. These days EP gear oils are much better than those used back than, and cover ranges from EP80/90 to EP 90/140, that is a multi-use, multigrade specification, and any of these are suitable for the overdrive. Remember that the overdrive and transmission oils are one and the same, you can't have one without the other as the old song goes! I never change the oil from one season to the next, too much trouble, and we live in a temperate climate.

    Geoff.
    If you're stuck in a hole, stop digging.