manual gear oil suggestions?

[JackG]

Originally Posted by Frank M

Then why do lubes have a manufactures spec?
such as :

Mobil 1 0W-40 keeps engines starting in Arctic-extreme cold, and it cleans deposits, sludge and varnish often formed in high temperature operating conditions.

Mobil 1 0W-40 meets key industry and car builder specifications for:

− Mercedes MB 229.5
− Porsche Approval List 2002
− GM-LL-A-025 (gasoline)
− ACEA A3, B3/B4

− BMW Longlife 01
− VW 502.00/505.00/503.01
− GM-LL-B-025 (diesel)
− API SM/CF

It's called marketing.

Notice how Mobil 1 meets so many specs? That's because there's not 2 cents worth of difference between them, and it's not rocket science to meet them. But, as we know when it comes to getting a manufacturer's blessing (think Porsche approved tires), there's a cost involved in getting that blessing. Not having it doesn't mean you don't meet, or exceed it. As a manufacturer of oil, you pay for the privilege of putting that spec on your bottle. It's about money.

[Frank M]

Originally Posted by JackG

It's called marketing.

Notice how Mobil 1 meets so many specs? That's because there's not 2 cents worth of difference between them, and it's not rocket science to meet them. But, as we know when it comes to getting a manufacturer's blessing (think Porsche approved tires), there's a cost involved in getting that blessing. Not having it doesn't mean you don't meet, or exceed it. As a manufacturer of oil, you pay for the privilege of putting that spec on your bottle. It's about money.

I hope this isn't developing into an AMSOIL or REDLINE thread.

[JackG]

Originally Posted by Frank M

I hope this isn't developing into an AMSOIL or REDLINE thread.

Lord, no. Wouldn't want to steer it away from the "OEM only" thread it's become!