Mobile 1 synthetic LS gear lube

[MontereyJak]

I'm replacing the gear lube in my 1996 Volvo Penta Cobra SX-C1 drive.
Came across Mobile 1 GL5 synthetic 'LS' 75/90, and not sure about the 'LS' Limited Slip portion of this. Should I continue looking for this without the 'LS' (if it exist), or will this gear lube be fine?

 

[300sflyer]

Re: Mobile 1 synthetic LS gear lube

What you are proposing, is to use LS rear end oil, [automotive] in a marine application. My advise is to stick with whatever Volvo recommends. It may work just fine, but if it doesn't, you are in for some major repairs! [$$$$$]

 

[300sflyer]

Re: Mobile 1 synthetic LS gear lube

PS:

From the Volvo manual:

Change Lubricant Every 100 Hours
or Once Each season
Use Volvo Penta Synthetic Gearcase Lubricant
or Mobilube 1 SHC Fully Synthetic
SAE 75W-90 gear lubricant
All SX Models 71oz. (2100 cc)

http://www.mobil.com/Philippines-English/Lubes/PDS/GLXXENCVLMOMobilube_1_SHC_75W-90.aspx

 

[JWebber]

Re: Mobile 1 synthetic LS gear lube

GL-5 gear lube has a lot of sulfer in it and the LS mean's it has a friction modifier in it for Liminted slip diff's ( like clutch plates) I would not put that in your drive. Unless you want to buy a new one.

 

[MontereyJak]

Re: Mobile 1 synthetic LS gear lube

ok - definitely NOT getting Mobile's 'LS' gear lube as it seems more geared for automotive differentials.

I noticed Mobil 1 75w/90 GL5 synthetic gear lube was a substitute for Volvo's label, and while looking at the local parts stores (Autozone, OReillys, Napa) and Walmart, could only find the 'LS' variety.

In my continuing search, I've now come across Castrol SYNTEC Fully Synthetic Gear Oil, API GL-5 and MT-1, SAE 75W-90. Is this acceptable?
http://www.castrol.com/castrol/sectiongenericarticle.do?categoryId=82915494&contentId=7036193

If not, then I'm trekking to the nearest Volvo dealer and get Volvo's label products.

 

[300sflyer]

Re: Mobile 1 synthetic LS gear lube

if not, then i'm trekking to the nearest volvo dealer and get volvo's label products.

bingo!

 

[JWebber]

Re: Mobile 1 synthetic LS gear lube

I don't know what volvo using in their drives fluid wise, but anything with GL-5 labeled will not be good to put in a marine application from the auto side, it will have LS fiction modifier in it.

 

[Craig W]

Re: Mobile 1 synthetic LS gear lube

just my .02, but from the 1997 OMC sterndrive manual (Cobra SX) ver 3.09825/eng -as 300sflyer mentioned the specs above, but forgot/missed the parenthesis: "(meeting or exceeding MIL-L-2105C or D, API GL-4 or 5) gearcase lube" which appeared after the "Use Mobilube 1 SHC Fully Synthetic SAE 75W-90"...

TONS of info on this site and out there on www regarding oils used and preferences, search and learn more ;-) I'm personally using RedLine's full synthetic 75W-90 (which meets the specs above) Stay away from anything with a friction modifier as has been mentioned... if all other specs match, should be no problem using it.

 

[MontereyJak]

Re: Mobile 1 synthetic LS gear lube

For the sake of sanity and to stop searching for the 'alternate' lube, I ended up getting the Volvo gear lube. It was $5.00 more per quart, but put in perspective - only $15.00 extra for the year. I can spare $15 extra dollars per year to keep from wondering if I did the right thing with an alternate. Thanks to all.

 

[IES99]

Re: Mobile 1 synthetic LS gear lube

For the sake of sanity and to stop searching for the 'alternate' lube, I ended up getting the Volvo gear lube. It was $5.00 more per quart, but put in perspective - only $15.00 extra for the year. I can spare $15 extra dollars per year to keep from wondering if I did the right thing with an alternate. Thanks to all.

While boating there is nothing like peace of mind.

 

[Jagsguy01]

Re: Mobile 1 synthetic LS gear lube

This is what I have been using in my SX drive for the past season.......Lubromoly Voll-synthese LM2048

Something to know about gear oils.

For a oil to achieve an API rating of GL5 means it has been approved for any transaxle, transmission, or gear drive unit.

From the boat manufactures own recomendation shows the boat owner to use a GL5 grade lubricant.

I wouldn't add a GL-5 with modifiers since that isn't the OE manufacture suggestion, however. Limited slip modifiers are to increase the "slipperyness" for Limited slip clutch type components to slip.

Most out drives I would image are not use clutches, and the modifier will do nothing to hinder the operation of that drive. Afterall, any increased friction during gear operation I would guess isn't a good thing.

High shear, High temp, High pressure is what your looking for and if the gear oil has the GL5 rating, well it passed these requirements according to the ASTM testing and the API peeps say its all good.

The other part to look out for is the operational viscosity. This is where things could get ugly if you use the wrong weight. If its calling for 75w90 then I would go with that. Using a 75w140 means that at operational temp. the viscocity is about 64% thicker and that might turn into a problem.

And Monterey your answer, is the best answer. For $15 more get the right stuff and move along!!

 

[Dryon]

Re: Mobile 1 synthetic LS gear lube

For a oil to achieve an API rating of GL5 means it has been approved for any transaxle, transmission, or gear drive unit.

Not True!!
Some Transmissions require GL4 due to yellow metal in them. GL5 will eat up these metals.