2003 Demio 1.5 Sport - Gear Oil?

[xraywolf]

As I don't have a User Manual for my 2003 Demio 1.5 Sport, can anyone tell me what Gear Oil I need for a 5 speed manual transmission?

I think it is a 75W/90 but I'm not sure if it should be a GL-4 or GL-5 rated oil, the latter apparently being harsher and more wearing to brass components due to the extra additives in it (In NZ, GL-4 is harder to find than the GL-5).

Any help would be appreciated.

Xraywolf

 

[Joker2]

We did not have this car in the States in 2003 but, if Mazda recommended or used GL-4, you will very unhappy with GL-5. As I have an older Miata, I can attest than many Miata pilots that tried GL-5 started to grind synchros. Even Mobil, does not recommend their synthetic GL-5 for transmissions that have lots of yellow metals in the trannys. If GL-4 is recommended, quite a few of us (includes me) have had good success with Motorcraft XT-M5-QS. It is a high quality GL-4 Synthetic. My Miata loves it even more than MT-90 or MTL from Redline or Amsoil. I have used all three in the past and rank them as follows: Motorcraft best, Redline MTL second best, Amsoil last. All else sucks.

http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Car_Care/AskMobil/GL-5_and_GL-4_Gear_Oil.aspx

 

[xraywolf]

Thanks Joker2. The Motorcraft certainly gets alot of good press in other forums I've visited, but my problem is supply and demand out in the sticks of NZ - I can't find it so I may have to go and have another word with my local Mazda/Ford dealer (who recommended Castrol VMX 80 which is a 75w/80 GL-4)) . I've looked at the MT-90 over here and it is NZ$42 a litre, so very pricey when I can get some Royal 75w/90 GL-4 for NZ$12.50. However, I still have to positively ascertain whether I need GL-4 or GL-5 rather than just throw in something that won't do the job and I will later regret.

 

[Joker2]

I tried Royal Purple in a Yota Tranny and we almost divorced. I had to drain it before 1000 miles and replace it with Mobil 1. I thought that was a GL5 synthetic. The Yota tranny wanted GL5 from new.

 

[xraywolf]

Joker2 - by 'Royal' I meant 'Royal Lubricants' who are an Aussie company - http://www.royallubricants.com.au/automotive.html and not "Royal Purple" who I have looked at aswell and they seem to get bad press. I'm looking at Mobilube XHP if I can't source Motorcraft - that is a 70W/90 GL-4 and is equally as rare as rocking horse do-do in the North of NZ - any thoughts on it?