Transmission oil?

[HDI]

Will be doing a gearbox oil change on the Xantia tomorrow, I know the correct grade is 75-80 but I've been given some really good quality 75-90 synthetic as a freeby. Opinions on suitability, or any experience of using that grade?

[RichardW]

No, 75W80 only for these boxes. Anything else ruins the change.

[CitroJim]

No, 75W80 only for these boxes. Anything else ruins the change.

Exactly. The difference is astounding between the correct stuff and anything else... I once had a BE3 'box filled with EP90 - the old traditional gearbox oil - In the cold the gearchange was nigh-on impossible...

Swapped it for 75W-80 an it was transformed...

[white exec]

Yes, the same. EP75W/90 can make it very difficult to engage or change gear when cold.

There are transmission oils designed for just this problem (close-tolerance boxes in cold weather), such as Castrol's Syntrans and 'manual transmission fluids' (related to ATF), but you might as well stick to the recommended EP75W/80.

Also be careful to make sure the oil is correct spec (usually GL-4 or GL-5) for the vehicle. Getting the wrong one can have consequences for the bronze/brass synchromesh components. (Some boxes will tolerate either.) Go with what is recommended in the Owner's Handbook.

[CitroJim]

Getting the wrong one can have consequences for the bronze/brass synchromesh components. (Some boxes will tolerate either.) Go with what is recommended in the Owner's Handbook.

Yes, the old cone type synchromesh in the BE3 'boxes is very delicate and easily damaged... Definitely always go with manufacturers recommendations. This is vital in all automatic 'boxes too..

[demag]

What about correct oil with a dash of molyslip?

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[Hell Razor5543]

I wouldn't. The gearbox is designed to use that oil as it comes from the factory, without any 'tweaks'.

You can get that oil from GSF for around £10 per litre.

[Paulmi16]

I found using Total BV improved the quality of the gear change massively, compared to the other brands i've tried which was mostly Comma as it was the local factors stocked and discounted heavily.

[HDI]

Booger!! Thought I was on for saving some folding there! Ah well!

[Hell Razor5543]

Well, you should only need 1.8l in a typical PSA manual gearbox, so it should only cost £20 for 2 litres.

[myglaren]

Or less from GSF if you sign up - they are sending out daily email codes for around 50% off until next week.

[HDI]

Just got 2 x 1 ltr of Total Gear 8, the replacement for BV, on Amazon of all places, for £12.99 delivered! Won't be in time for tomorrow but not the end of the world!

[Dommo]

I asked my local citroen dealer for a price on total BV and they said it was (around) £4.80 per litre, so try there first.

[myglaren]

That's very cheap Dom. I paid £12 a Litre three years ago at my local dealer.

[white exec]

I paid €30 for 5 litres a few months ago, local motor factor. Not sure why it should be so expensive, apart from greed!