Mercedes 208d gearbox oil

[gboy]

Hi I've just changed the oil in the van gearbox. It's a 208d pre-sprinter. Specified oil is sae 80. I decided to use fully synthetic 75-90 but have since been advised that this is wrong. Any advice much appreciated!

 

[gboy]

Oops forgot to mention it's a 2.3 diesel on 213k miles.

 

[JohnD]

but the oil you used was listed as a gearbox oil, by a reputable maker?

who told you it was wrong?

Synthetics are designed to cost more and last longer in engines between changes, I don't know if there is a benefit in gearboxes.

I usually check the spec on a page like
https://www.shell.co.uk/motorist/oils-lubricants/lubematch.html#iframe=L2di

as the recommendations in handbooks get superseded as oil tech moves on. The vehicle maker should know best, and only the oil company benefits from you buying a more expensive grade. On-time changes are more important.

Some vehicles (e.g. motorcycles with wet clutch) must not use modern low-friction oils.

 

[Burnerman]

Viscosity wise, all is well.
The things to be aware of in this situation are the letters E.P (extreme pressure) and Hypoid. Both are additives specially required in transmissions - hypoid being an axle lube. Neither of these additives are suitable in engines.
Double check your gearbox requirements once more!
John

 

[gboy]

Hi thanks for the replies, yes it's g-force by tetrosyl and ep and hypoid. The guy behind the counter reccommended mineral 80- 90 and tetrosyl said afterwards that only ep 80 could be reccommended. I've previously used fully synthetic in an old 405 peugeot g/box without probs though! Thanks again guys.