K series 6 speed - gearbox oil recommendations

[Nick Bassett]

Hi folks,

Now that I have my engine back from DVA nicely refreshed, I'm planning on putting this big chunky jigsaw puzzle back together... just hope I'm not missing any parts!

Gearbox oil - what should I be using? I know I've read somewhere about Redline MTL, but a knowledgeable friend is suggesting MT-LV which I haven't heard of before. I've been told I need 2 litres, but the Redline is sold in bottles of 946 ml... is 2 bottles enough or do I need 3?

Finally - gearbox mount - is it normal practice to replace this whilst gearbox is out?

Engine mounts - looking to replace these too. The originals look fine, but are 20+ years old if original, therefore good practice to renew?

Thanks

Nick

[Tin Man]

Hi Nick

I use Redline MTL which was recommended by Road Race Transmissions.

I did change my engine mounts, but they looked ok.

I bought 2 bottles when I did mine. Opie Oils are competitive and offer a delivery service. I think we get a club discount too.

John

[paul richards]

Redline MTL recommended for 6 speed. 
Inspect engine and gearbox mounts for condition/cracks. If no problem refit. No need to spend needlessly. Mine are 23 years old and still good. 

[Andy135]

For what it's worth I recently went for 2 bottles of Redline MTL for my 6 speed. Finding the time to take out the old and put in the new is a different matter though  

[ScottR400D]

The fill is about 1.6 litres so 2 of the US Quarts (946ml) covers it fine. 

[SLR No.77]

I use a normal GL4 (Comma) rather than MTL in my 6sp, I found the MTL caused the gearbox to be very noisy. Second gear is a slightly stiff shift when absolutely cold but in reality after only a mile or so of driving it works perfectly. I'd need some convincing to go back to MTL.

[John Vine]

I've always used Comma SX 75w-90 GL4 in my 6-speed boxes.  The last batch came from Opie Oils (with Club discount).

Re new parts, certainly check the condition of the mount rubbers (g/box and engine/chassis) and replace if they are suspect.

I take it your clutch is in good order?

JV

[Nick Bassett]

Thanks for all advice etc.

Still not sure on whether to change engine & gearbox mounts - they look fine with no cracks etc.

JV - clutch plate was OK, but springs were broken, so have a new Helix going in. CRB was shot, but fortunately I bought an alloy example years ago that should do nicely!

[Graham King]

Nick, when I did a similar exercise on my engine a good few years ago, I replaced anything that I regarded as consumable, that included the mounts, given the amount that will have been spent on the engine refresh etc my view was replace all that type of thing whilst it was easy, and the increase in overall cost was marginal in reality. 

Each will have their own view I appreciate but that's what I did. 

Graham. 

[Nick Bassett]

Graham - thanks.

Makes good sense as you say.

Please tell your brother his old 7 is still going strong - well it will be once the engine & 'box have been refitted!

Cheers

Nick