Hey folks - in Montana on a road trip and need to change the fluid in my tranny. I just drained it and it smells / looks like gear oil... is that what i need or does the 5 speed H55F take automatic tranny fluid?
The factory spec is 90W gear oil, but most run 80w-90 or 75w-90.
I've run Mobil1 and Redline in mine, and overall, I prefer the Mobil1 75w-90, just because it is easier to get. I don't know about running 85w-140, it seems like needles parasitic drag, but maybe it's OK in a worn or noisy tranny.
The factory spec is 90W gear oil, but most run 80w-90 or 75w-90.
I've run Mobil1 and Redline in mine, and overall, I prefer the Mobil1 75w-90, just because it is easier to get. I don't know about running 85w-140, it seems like needles parasitic drag, but maybe it's OK in a worn or noisy tranny.
Just experience, the H55f gets pretty hot on the highway and in the bush. Just got back from the North West Territories over 5000Km trip. 85w-140 is good for severe use, like 14hr steady running. I averaged 28mpg with my BJ74, I dont think there was any "needles parasitic drag" . When I used to run 80w 90 gear oil I would get tiny shavings on the magnetic drain plug.
The factory spec is 90W gear oil, but most run 80w-90 or 75w-90.
I've run Mobil1 and Redline in mine, and overall, I prefer the Mobil1 75w-90, just because it is easier to get. I don't know about running 85w-140, it seems like needles parasitic drag, but maybe it's OK in a worn or noisy tranny.
I contacted Mobil about the suitability of Mobil1 75W-90 for the H55F and the Toyota oil specs. I too had been using that oil in the past, but noticed that the bottle no longer recommended using it for manual transmissions like it used to. Their response: "We do not have a suitable oil for your transmission."
I contacted Mobil about the suitability of Mobil1 75W-90 for the H55F and the Toyota oil specs. I too had been using that oil in the past, but noticed that the bottle no longer recommended using it for manual transmissions like it used to. Their response: "We do not have a suitable oil for your transmission."
Update to my previous post:
The Mobil1 75W-90 bottle USED to say that it was suitable for manual transmissions... but it doesn't say that any more.. and Mobil does not recommend it for transmissions any more.... and if you use the new stuff you will soon find out why... shifting aint so great.
Another rep from Mobil contacted me when I questioned the "no suitable oil" response, as I was initially interested in Mobil Delvac Synthetic Transmission Fluid 50 to use in the H55F transmission and transfer case. Mobil Delvac 50 is a synthetic monograde GL-4 which "has the same viscosity as most SAE 90 gear lubricants at the high end of the temperature-viscosity scale." It is designed for manual transmissions (and transfer cases) only and is safe for copper/brass alloy synchros. It should NOT be used in the differentials since it is GL-4, not GL-5.
The official statement from Mobil in regards to the suitability of Mobil Delvac 50 to be used in a Land Cruiser transmission (and transfer case) while meeting Toyota's GL-4/GL-5 SAE 90 wt, specs:
"Mobil Delvac 50 is a good choice for your application. The Mobil Delvac 50 is a monograde fluid and meets the viscosity requirements of a SAE 90wt gear oil."
I also contacted Redline. Their recommendation (along with others on this board with MT Land Cruisers) is Redline MT-90 75W90 GL-4 Gear Oil.
I've been running Amsoil in my H55s for about 5 years. I drain/filter/refill with the used stuff every 10k to 20k miles depending on how much water I've been in. The base fluid should be good for 100k miles as long as it's filtered once in a while or doesn't get too contaminated with water.
Amsoil has a 75w90 gear lube that meets the API GL-4 rating. I remember reading somewhere (wish I could remember where) that GL4 is important for the bronze components in these older transmissions. GL-5 allegedly isn't as good for some reason. The only time I've ever had shifting troubles is at -20 degrees. Even then it only takes a few minutes of driving for the lube to start flowing enough for smooth shifts.
I have also heard that the GL-4 is the most suitable for the synchros in these transmissions. I didn't know that until after I put new 80w-90 in it with a full bottle of lucas for my noisey input shaft bearing. I will probably just leave it in there until I decide to have it rebuilt due to that bearing..
With that thick Lucas in it, it does shift kinda stiff when its cold, even this time of year. So probably not the best for the synchros.
GL4 is yellow metal compatible. GL5 will chemically corrode your synchros. I use redline mt90 which is gl4 as already stated. Shifts great in the winter. I also run moly slip additive.
