Thread: Oil

Originally Posted by Pete F

Perhaps the EP additive isn't sulphur based, does it smell like it?

No idea! I don't have a sense of smell.No point in asking my wife as she will say "it smells like oil"

Its an API Gl-5 and says it for differentials including limited slip.

Grahame

The sulphur has a very distinctive smell (ie in stinks) and doesn't smell at all like "oil", it does however smell like "gear oil" since they generally use sulphur based EP additives in the gear oils. If it doesn't have that distinctive smell then there's a good chance they're using something else in this particular one, particularly since they specifically say it's compatible with copper.

Anyway, the whole point was to be aware of the problems associated with typical gear oils and the EP additives in relation to brass/bronze in gearboxes. It's not something I was aware of until relatively recently and I wouldn't have thought it a problem, but indeed it can be, so wanted to bring it to the attention of others.

I think it's Alan in the office today Grahame, he was helping me on another matter. I'd expect he should reply to you shortly if he hasn't already. I didn't ask him about this situation as you said you had already, but would be grateful for hearing the outcome as the oil you listed is easy to obtain and won't require special ordering.

The oil was tracked down as a suitable gearbox lube around the time Xynudu (Rob) posted about his RF 115 saw.. He and I joined the Yahoo bandsaw group where this info came to light.
Mobil Aust had a suitable grade but the only available quantity(200L) was far too great for home use. I believe I found the present product on an Australia oil equivalency table from somewhere.

I purchased the litre bottle only a few months back and it was was fairly cheap (around $16) and easily available through Autobahn. I have yet to change out the oil and maybe put a oil level button fitting on the gearbox.

Grahame

Sorry Grahame I didn't understand your post, you mentioned you'd emailed Penrite in regard to the EP additives in this oil. I've been speaking with them a couple of times today so presume they would have answered you too and wonder what they said about the oil you asked about?

Just explaining how I came upon this oil early in the year. Nothing back from Penrite save for the email confirmation.

Grahame

Oh ok, hmm, that's odd, as mentioned I was talking to them today, twice in fact. If you don't hear anything back from them let me know and I'll ask them. I needed to order some of their oil from Repco and the Repco guy said he'd call me back. Naturally he didn't so if that oil is good for bronze components it would possibly be a substitute I could try.

Ok, thanks gents for all the info, have bought some ISO46 oil for the lathe, used diff oil in the band saw. There is a brass worm cog connecting to a steel worm drive, found no corrosion on the brass one, a few specs of steel laying in the bottom, picked them up with a magnet. Store wise, there is not much to choose from, S/cheap or Repco. Recently, looking for a specific grade of Castrol engine for my bike, had me traversing all over Perth, thought this was going to be another saga like that. Will drop the diff oil out in a month and check for any wear on the cogs.

DD

Originally Posted by Pete F

Oh ok, hmm, that's odd, as mentioned I was talking to them today, twice in fact. If you don't hear anything back from them let me know and I'll ask them. I needed to order some of their oil from Repco and the Repco guy said he'd call me back. Naturally he didn't so if that oil is good for bronze components it would possibly be a substitute I could try.

I did get a reply from Penrite ( on the 2nd)But the spam thingy sent it to the trash-. Alan from Penrite says apparentlya GL-3 is what I need.
Grahame