Best gearbox oil

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Probably does have an ATF base. Good to know it works for your application.

I'm a bit gun shy on trying ATF in the gearbox, but I can see how it would be an advantage if it happened to make it's way into the primary on a wet clutch install.

My apologies to the rest for bumping this back up on the page. I'm sure it's been discussed many times in the past.
 
Schwany said:
Probably does have an ATF base. Good to know it works for your application.

I'm a bit gun shy on trying ATF in the gearbox, but I can see how it would be an advantage if it happened to make it's way into the primary on a wet clutch install.

My apologies to the rest for bumping this back up on the page. I'm sure it's been discussed many times in the past.
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I do not believe the Bel Ray is an ‘ATF base’ !
 
Thanks good to know.

I tried to find the info looking at bottle images and a couple of websites that sell the product, but all I could find was a line about the distinctive red color, which is typical for ATF. My Ass Ump Shun error.
 
comnoz said:
I only used Redline Shockproof for a year. I don't remember what weight it was or even if there were different weights at that time. I would guess it was 15 years ago.
It did stop any migration of the oil down the input shaft, but when I found the bushing was loose and pulled it apart I found the outer bushings were dry and the shaft was blue from heat. I went back to ATF and have stayed with it since.

If it's good enough for the manual trans in this, it's good enough for me.
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Best gearbox oil
 
Schwany said:
Thanks good to know.

I tried to find the info looking at bottle images and a couple of websites that sell the product, but all I could find was a line about the distinctive red color, which is typical for ATF. My Ass Ump Shun error.
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Click on the link below and when open, click on the PDS link for more info:

www.belray.com

Sport Transmission Fluid

For the transmission and primary of Sportster® and Buell® Blast™ motorcycles.
www.belray.com www.belray.com
 
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From an email conversation I had with Bel Ray last year enquiring, amongst other things, about compatibility with yellow metals (bronze bushes etc):

“The Bel-Ray V-Twin Sport Transmission Fluid is appropriate for use in transmissions that have soft yellow metals such as brass, bronze, or copper.

The Bel-Ray V-Twin Big Twin Transmission Oil and both of our Bel-Ray Gear Saver Hypoid Gear Oils (80W-90, 85W-140) are GL-5 gear oils.

The Bel-Ray V-Twin Sport Transmission Fluid, Gear Saver Transmission Oils (75W, 80W), and Thumper Gear Saver Transmission Oil 80W-85 are not GL-5 gear oils, and are suitable for use in motorcycle transmissions that have soft yellow metals”.
 
Fast Eddie said:
From an email conversation I had with Bel Ray last year enquiring, amongst other things, about compatibility with yellow metals (bronze bushes etc):

“The Bel-Ray V-Twin Sport Transmission Fluid is appropriate for use in transmissions that have soft yellow metals such as brass, bronze, or copper.

The Bel-Ray V-Twin Big Twin Transmission Oil and both of our Bel-Ray Gear Saver Hypoid Gear Oils (80W-90, 85W-140) are GL-5 gear oils.

The Bel-Ray V-Twin Sport Transmission Fluid, Gear Saver Transmission Oils (75W, 80W), and Thumper Gear Saver Transmission Oil 80W-85 are not GL-5 gear oils, and are suitable for use in motorcycle transmissions that have soft yellow metals”.
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BTW - "Hypoid" is a term used for bevel gear sets where the centrelines of the shafts do not intersect, therefore substantial "sliding" of gear mating surfaces occurs. Normally seen in some differentials, etc.
Added sulphur can reduce damage from this but can be at a cost of corrosion of susceptible metals.
So... unless you need the benefits of hypoid oils, better to steer clear of them.
Cheers

Edit: There are no bevel gears in a Norton gearbox (or anywhere else for that matter!) let alone hypoid.
 
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What was 90wt Castrol Hypoy? It's spec'd for the gearbox in the aftermarket Norton manuals I have. I'm guessing it was hypoid gear lube, but I also guessed that Bel Ray had AFT in their red Harley big twin gear oil. So that doesn't mean much.

I've run Amsoil, Lucas, Redline, and others I can't remember in an AMC gearbox, but cheap 80-90 gear lubricant gives me better shifts than any of those others. I've never seen any metal of any color in the gearbox lubricant sitting in a drain pan after an oil change. I no longer get any gearbox lubricant migration into the primary. I made a clutch rod seal that has been holding so far.

Since I mix ATF and stinky hypoid to use as rear chain lube for a standard 530 chain that works great. I might do the same in the gearbox just to see what happens. To each his or her own.

BelRay makes a primary chaincase lubricant that might work with a Norton wet clutch.
 
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Schwany said:
What was 90wt Castrol Hypoy? It's spec'd for the gearbox in the aftermarket Norton manuals I have. I'm guessing it was hypoid gear lube, but I also guessed that Bel Ray had AFT in their red Harley big twin gear oil. So that doesn't mean much.

I've run Amsoil, Lucas, Redline, and others I can't remember in an AMC gearbox, but cheap 80-90 gear lubricant gives me better shifts than any of those others. I've never seen any metal of any color in the gearbox lubricant sitting in a drain pan after an oil change. I no longer get any gearbox lubricant migration into the primary. I made a clutch rod seal that has been holding so far.

Since I mix ATF and stinky hypoid to use as rear chain lube for a standard 530 chain that works great. I might do the same in the gearbox just to see what happens. To each his or her own.
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I tried some basic ‘classic’ Castrol gear oil and it shifted smoother than the fancy shock proof I was using!
I would happily have used the Castrol if the Bel Ray hadn’t shifted even better.
 
My favourite for the last few years has been 3 parts 75w90 synthetic (I am using Amsoil), one part Lucas oil stabilizer. Shifting is buttery smooth, minimal particles in the oil, nothing on the drain plug magnet.

FWIW
 
What is Lucas oil stabilizer all about ?
I'm using Honda 85-9- W. this season , but willing to change to the Bel - Ray next.
 
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