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For my 57 6400 dump rig-

The old 261 motor needs fresh oil and filter.
Gearboxes and Eaton 2-speed differential too.

High desert Nevada, 5000' elevation -- temp range about zero to hundred ten degrees farenheit.

Please suggest good oils for relatively hard use.
Not interested in super snake oil, just good lubrication.




-John

Shell Rotella 15w40. My old man has been wrenching on trucks and tractors since, before I was a twinkle in his eye. Everything we ever rebuilt, whether it was a Perkins, Cat, Waukesha, to a 1.6 Escort motor, got Rotella in it. It has more ZDDP in it that the off the shelf automotive oil. So, the 261 will apprecitate that. It may be a little thick for those zero degree temps, but if you're working the old girl it's the right way to go.

For the rearend, any 80w90 hypoid gear oil will do.

For the trans. Some say 50wt Non-detergent motor oil. Other's will tell you 80w90 gear oil. I can't say either way.

Oh good.
I have the rotella in stock.
Diff oil too.



Thanks!
John

I second the Rotella for it's ZDDP...

Don't forget to put some straight 10w in the Eaton electric shift motor gear case.

Mike B

If you decide to put the 50W in the transmission keep a close eye on it so you don't run it dry and burn up the bearings. The transmissions in these old trucks are known to leak a bit with 90 gear lube in them and if it is a leaker it will dump the 50W out in no time.

What would be the advantage (or the possible dangers) of using 50W non-detergent motor oil in the rear end?

The manuals suggest SAE 90 Multi-Purpose Gear Lubricant (SAE 80 during winter months).

Will I find full GM service manual and Eaton service manual here on the site somewhere?

Thanks for the notes. I'll have that electric shift unit back off as soon as I get the replacement limit switch block - it's only on there right now so I could test the rear end. I'll definitely seal it well and give it the proper oil bath service.
Neat little unit.




-John

site for manuals, no exact year maybe, but 55 should cover it, + other item specific pamphlets

Bill

50w non-detergent is not made for hypoid or helical cut gears. Not good for rearends. That's where the 90w gear oil comes in. I remember a fellow 'bolter using 50w not too long ago in a SM420 trans with less than satisfactory results. He soon changed to 80w90.

http://castrolhdfocus.com/index.php/understanding-the-differences-in-gear-oil-specs/

I bought my '55 T.F. truck manual through L.M.C. I was/AM interested in how the 2-speed vacuum-switch was mounted,and the plumbing diagram,from the engine,to the switch,and the lines to the plunger. The book covers 2,or possibly 3 different(2-speed) rear-ends used. All kinds of info.,from back-lash adjustments, bearing replacement procedure,torque settings, and such. DOES NOT COVER ANYTHING,as far as the switch itself,or the line-routing. Frustrating,to say the least! other than not having any info.on the 2-speed, (electric,or vac.),book is still a great investment,covering most everything else that I needed spec's with.that manual stays under the seat. I reference it all the time. Hope this helps.

That's VERY GOOD to know about the Rotella,as far as the Z.D.D.P. added. there are only a few oils on the market that still offer the zinc. Thanks for the tip!!

Fresh filter and Rotella in the crankcase.
Fresh 80-90 hypoid in the gearbox.
Need a new big jug of hypoid for the Eaton rear end.
Getting closer to road and service ready...




-John