Redline Shockproof Gear Oil - Long Term?

[Janusz]

Gio, I was confused since you'd made a typo and compared MT-90 to MT-90.

 

Now all seems to be clear, so;

in your experiment you froze Shockproof and MT-90 and Shockproof seemed to be thicker then MT-90. I believe it but have no logical explanation. Both are equally rated for cold viscosity which is 75. Shockproof is GL-5 and MT-90 GL-4.

 

I compared Shockproof with 75W-90 "High Performance Gear Oil" which is GL-5, same like Shockproof. Please pay attention, it is not the same as MT-90. Shockproof seemed to flow better then the other one.

 

What all this means? again, I have no idea.

 

But I know one thing, and this is the most important:

Shockproof Heavy works really great in both gearbox and the rear end. The real proof is in a pudding, right?

[Gio]

Gio, I was confused since you'd made a typo and compared MT-90 to MT-90.

 

Sorry about the typo - yes I was comparing MT-90 with shockproof heavy.

 

Like you I was expecting similar cold viscosity based on the rating....but the heavy is much, much thicker at low temperatures...?

 

Can anyone offer an explanation for this?

 

Gio

[rocketman]

Gio, I don't think I can answer your specific question about MT90 but I spoke with a technical rep from Redline yesterday. I asked him which product would be the best choice for my Guzzi transmission and final drive. He highly recommended shockproof heavy (better cling factor and the proper flow characteristics). I made a mistake and put shockproof light in mine. When I made the decision I was looking only at the viscosity ratings (light 75-140W. heavy 75-250W). I thought the heavy was too thick until I got some feedback from another member named Val. He encouraged me to call Redline. I will be changing to shockproof heavy ASAP. An expensive mistake @ $10.00 a quart. Hope this helps.

[Baldini]

I spoke w/Redline importer in UK. They say Shockproof Heavy for Guzzi, MT90 for my Nissan Primera. I'm going to try it. KB.

[Gio]

Rocketman,Baldini - thx for the feedback.

 

I must confess that despite positive feedback from other members re the shockproof heavy I still wonder if the viscosity is too low for my current riding temperature (typically 5 to 10c). Having looked at how thick it is (at 4c) I can't help thinking that this must cause significant drag in the transmission - at least untill things warm up in there - but I guess that doesn't take too long.

 

Based mainly on feedback from forum members (and also this feedback from the Redline folks) I'll be giving the heavy a try also.

 

Gio

[Guest ratchethack]

Yikes! Turkey Day must be Opening Day for OIL THREAD season!?

 

Gio, if you do your homework and/or find a good Redline Tech Rep, you'll discover that RL Shockproof Heavy is a true synthetic, unlike others out there now that blend dino and synthetic while claiming (yes legally!) simply "synthetic". Then, if you're as skeptical as I am, and yet you still get to the point where you actually start to believe the documentation, the tests, and the Rep (as I did ...eventually), you'll be more inclined to accept as valid the claim that it actually does have properties unlike other lubricants. Though it can be rated as a 75W250, RL Shockproof Heavy has the internal fluid friction of a 75W90. They claim "40% lower coefficient of friction and 250% the load carrying capacity" of conventional (aka dino) gear oils.

 

The RL Tech Guy I talked with recommended Heavy for both trans and bevel box in Guzzi's, but I suspect that the lighter weight Shockproof products would also be very good - you picks your tradeoffs. If I was going for a land speed record attempt I'd be chasing every possible source of friction, and I s'pose I'd go for lower viscosity and the lowest friction I thought I could get away with. Since I do sport riding & (mostly) day touring, I went with the Rep's recommendation of Heavy in the interest of maximum bearing life, shock-load protection to the gears and shift dogs, and smoothness of operation, and have been very pleased for 5K miles, even at (relatively) cold winter operating temp's in the mountains near my area (40-50F). But then as always, YMMV.

 

Almost forgot! I don't think your operating temp range (5-10C) would be much of a concern with Heavy. 5C might be getting near the lower limit of the recommended range (can't remember where I found the Redline chart on operating temp ranges now - might have been at my local RL distributor's), but your local RL Rep might provide the best read on that anyway... Best of luck!

 

BTW -

 

higher numerical wt rating = higher viscosity = thicker.

lower numerical wt rating = lower viscosity = thinner

[MickM]

I just had an interesting experience with this stuff & am curious to hear if others have seen lower, and I mean a lot lower, running temperatures with Redline. I recently had a breather oil leak on my '02 LeMans and, while trying to figure out where it was coming from, near fried my fingers feeling around the gearbox case. While fixing that I also did the shift spring fix (I still only have 4500km from new) and put Redline Heavy in it. I did 250km on the weekend and saw red stuff around the left side footpeg area as soon as I got off. Fearing it was gearbox oil I felt around and was surprised that I could do it comfortably without getting burnt. I've no doubt now that Redline is clever stuff (and needs to be because we have to pay near $30 a litre for it here in Australia) as a noticeable reduction in gearcase temp can only come about thru lower friction levels. (Red stuff turned out to just be the guts of a suicidal insect).

[joe camarda]

Hey Al....That was probly my V11 Sport that you saw at Moto Italiano since it has been there since Oct 25 for the trannie recall, plus some other trannie problems. Dont know that I should blame MI for the delay as it seems to be built in to obtaining the MG parts from Italy and Chris in MI's service department seems to be on top of dealing w/ MGNA.

 

Anyway, my point (I actually have one) is this: Despite my trannie's numerous woes the Redline oil was probly the only thing right about it.