1949 Electromatic SAE90 Mineral Trans Oil??

[TooManyCarz]

I want to change both the trans and overdrive lube in my '49.

The manual says use "SAE90 Mineral Oil".

Would regular SAE90 gear lube work?

Thanks,

Dave

[Clipper47]

Sure it would work. I use a multi grade 75-90 in mine. The Borg Warner manual for the R-10 model which I believe you car has states to use SAE40 engine oil or in "extremely hard driving in hot climates" SAE 50. Straight mineral oil of 80 or 90 weight fore "hard driving in hot climates" may also be used. The entire manual can be viewed at http://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/news/

[TooManyCarz]

Thanks so much! I'll check out the URL you gave me for more information.

Dave

[TooManyCarz]

Dave,

It would be nice to be able to print this document out!

Dave

[Guest JT]

I have found the Borg Warner overdrive manuals seem to conflict with Packards recomendations of using SAE 90(winter) and SAE 120(summer) in the trans. Of course BW's info is only pertaining to the OD unit.

[Owen_Dyneto]

Multi-viscosity lubricants appeared on the market a bit after these (1949) cars were made. In fact they were quite new in 1956 and deserved a special comment in the owner's manual. The absence of these lubricants was one reason why Packard (and others) recommended a heavier gear oil (for example SAE 140) in the transmissions and rear axles in the summer than in the winter (for example, SAE 90). I've been using a multi-vis gear oil, SAE 85/140, year-round in Packard rear axles and transmissions and overdrives for many decades and have never had a problem with any of these units.

[Guest imported_Speedster]

Operating temperature is Important to consider also. If you live in an area that has hot weather most of the year, then a heavier oil is required, than one that is in freezing weather all the time.

[Clipper47]

Dave,

It would be nice to be able to print this document out!

Dave

?? The manuals on the PackardInfo.com site can easily be downloaded and printed.

[Guest JT]

Yes the multiweight 85-140 sure beats a seasonal changeout. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Clipper47]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes the multiweight 85-140 sure beats a seasonal changeout. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> </div></div>

I use Amsoil 75/90 synthetic in both my Packard and my Volvo 240 and the O/D shift change is almost seamless in both cars.

[Guest JT]

I've got a 240 wagon getting ready to go into service for the second teenage driver in the family. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

[Clipper47]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've got a 240 wagon getting ready to go into service for the second teenage driver in the family. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> </div></div>

They are very reliable and probably one of the safest cars ever built. Mine is an '83 Canadian model with the SU/Stromberg carb and 4 speed @O/D manual trans. and has over 200000miles on the odo. It is the most reliable car I have ever owned. My son learned to drive with it.

[Guest JT]

Mine's an 86 that we bought in 92. It's one of those cars that's easy to work on and plenty of space under the hood. I think you can about sit in there while you work on it. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[TooManyCarz]

Now I'm totally confused! The BW manual that Dave pointed me to said to use SAE40. You guys are saying to use SAE90 rear end oil?

Dave

[Guest JT]

That is the conflicting part I was referring to. Packard recommended 90 winter and 120 summer so a multiweight close to that seems a good choice unless you driving in some really cold weather. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Don't forget that the od and transmission are the same lubricant.

[Guest imported_Speedster]

40 weight may be Okay, if you live in Nome Alaska. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

[Clipper47]

40 weight may be Okay, if you live in Nome Alaska

Maybe so but curiously 40 motor oil is the grade recommended by Borg-Warner except for hot climates. On my older Mercedes Benz and Volvo manual transmission cars the fluid required year around is ATF which is thinner than 40 weight oil and my Volvo trans has 3000000Km on it with no problems. I think as JT mentioned the problem with what is required between the Packard manual and Borg-Warner manual is that the fluid in the Packard transmission flows through to the Overdrive unit. I still think that a modern multi-grade gear oil(synthetic may be overkill)is best and I have had no problems in my Packard by using it.