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Keisler 5 spd lubrication

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Old Oct 16, 2004 | 05:26 PM
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Default Keisler 5 spd lubrication

Just finished helping my neighbor put a Keisler 5 spd kit in his 69. We would like to try it out but don't have any lubricant. The directions call for GM part number 12345349 Synchromesh Transmission Fluid. Does anyone know if there is an equivalent lubricant that could be used. Is this stuff a gear oil (like 75W 90) or more like an automatic transmission fluid? We tried the local parts store with no luck. Unless you guys know of something equivalent we can use we are stuck till Monday....Thanks
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Old Oct 16, 2004 | 06:33 PM
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From what I have gathered, the tremec uses the GM Syncromesh fluid exclusivelly. Other people may have tried substitutions but I would stick with the GM Syncromesh.
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Old Oct 16, 2004 | 06:33 PM
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According to this paper, Pennzoil makes the synchromesh fluid for GM. It's 5-w30 with friction modifier and high pressure additives. You can buy the Pennzoil-branded bottles anywhere, I assume.

http://www.stealth316.com/2-pennzoil-synchromesh.htm
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Old Oct 16, 2004 | 07:05 PM
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Synchromesh=liquid gold $$$. I asked the same question about a year or so ago when I installed mine. Someone gave an equivalant but I wound up going to see Mr. Goodwrench and put synchromesh in anyway. I don't recall what the equivalant was, sorry.
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Old Oct 16, 2004 | 07:11 PM
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I put in Dexron fluid as an alternative. It is working OK but my brother in law put in a TKO600 in his car and said the GM stuff is way better. He has driven mine and he said the shifting is smoother with the GM fluid. Looks like I will be draining out the old stuff and in with the GM fluid.
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Old Oct 16, 2004 | 08:07 PM
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Why is a Keisler any different then a normal Tremec TKO? My instructions just called for Dextron automatic transmission fluid.
Synthetic makes the transmission a little bit noiser. I have run mine for 3 years on ordinary transmission fluid.
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Old Oct 16, 2004 | 08:16 PM
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The synchromesh material determines for the most part what oil to use, does Keisler use the stock TKO stuff? If so, whatever went into the TKO will work in their trans.
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Old Oct 16, 2004 | 08:59 PM
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Thanks for the info...I did some further research after I posted this thread and found several references that said Dextron IIE can be used. One recomended running with Dextron for break in and then switching to the GM synchromesh. We put Dextron in for now and will switch to the GM lub as soon as we can get it.
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Old Oct 17, 2004 | 07:44 AM
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Originally Posted by ZL1powr
Just finished helping my neighbor put a Keisler 5 spd kit in his 69. We would like to try it out but don't have any lubricant. The directions call for GM part number 12345349 Synchromesh Transmission Fluid. Does anyone know if there is an equivalent lubricant that could be used. Is this stuff a gear oil (like 75W 90) or more like an automatic transmission fluid? We tried the local parts store with no luck. Unless you guys know of something equivalent we can use we are stuck till Monday....Thanks
Listers,

You should run the sychromesh fluid, per our manual. Tremec states that Dextron IIE can be used, but it is NOT RECOMMENDED BY US for street use. It makes shift quality bad and the transmission emits noise that is not normally heard when running. You can run it in a pinch, but switch over to the Sychromesh. Like Eddie said, it's expensive, but it IS worth every penny you will pay for it. Besides, the oil can run for years without change (I haven't changed the oil in my Charger R/T TKO unit in 4 years).

There is supposedly a new GM SYNTHETIC Sychromesh oil. I have not tried it. I would appreciate if one of our customers could give it a try and post the results to the forum, along with part number and price.

Last edited by Keisler Automotive; Oct 17, 2004 at 07:47 AM.
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Old Oct 17, 2004 | 07:58 AM
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What is wrong with gear oil?

Specific reasons for not using it?
Don't all the big 18-wheelers use it?
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Old Oct 17, 2004 | 02:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Summerfun
What is wrong with gear oil?

Specific reasons for not using it?
Don't all the big 18-wheelers use it?
Gear oil would not lubiricate the needle bearings and screw up the transmission quickly.
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Old Oct 17, 2004 | 09:48 PM
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Summerfun,

I don't know the technical details, but I suspect the lubricity of the oil is not correct for the type of friction the sychros and gear mechanism experiences.
Tremec also strongly advised us not to use additives such as Redline, as these can actually damage internal components on some Tremec transmissions. I'm sure Redline is a good product, but it's a mismatch for some transmissions.

Shafi Keisler, Keisler Engineering Inc.
www.keislerauto.com/gm
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Old Oct 18, 2004 | 10:04 AM
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Any benefits from using GM Synchromesh lube in a Muncie 4 sp?
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Old Oct 18, 2004 | 10:07 AM
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I'd be happy to try the Synthetic Synchromesh for ya! I'll be installing a TKO-600 this next weekend...hopefully.
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Old Oct 18, 2004 | 10:12 AM
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Originally Posted by flynhi
Any benefits from using GM Synchromesh lube in a Muncie 4 sp?
I don't think the older transmissions are setup to use a thinner viscosity fluid like the GM fluid. I would stick with the heavier gear oil or you might want to try synthetic 90wt fluid for the Muncies.
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Old Oct 18, 2004 | 10:15 AM
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Originally Posted by flynhi
Any benefits from using GM Synchromesh lube in a Muncie 4 sp?
I changed the tranny fluid about three years ago and added the GM lube and it DEFINITELY improved the smoothness of the shift in the muncie.

Note: My son's friend has a mid 12 second Eagle Talon, and a number of the Talon guys use the GM Synchromesh lube in their cars. It improves the shifting.
It really is worth the money.
Barry
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Old Oct 18, 2004 | 10:25 AM
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So....I guess I should drain the gear oil in my Richmond 6-speed
and put in Synchromesh!

Are there different types of Synchromesh......viscosity wise?
If so, what would be best?
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To Keisler 5 spd lubrication

Old Oct 18, 2004 | 03:11 PM
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I just purchased some GM syncromesh fluid. It was 12 bucks a quart at the GM dealer I went to. My Tremec is draining as I write this of the Dexron II fluid I had in there. The only problem I see is getting it back in the trans. The plug on the side is not going to allow much success from underneath. I bought some clear plastic tubing and will probably snake it through the shifter hole and into the trans. I hope I feel a difference for 36 dollars worth of fluid.
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Old Oct 18, 2004 | 03:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Gordonm
I just purchased some GM syncromesh fluid. It was 12 bucks a quart at the GM dealer I went to. My Tremec is draining as I write this of the Dexron II fluid I had in there. The only problem I see is getting it back in the trans. The plug on the side is not going to allow much success from underneath. I bought some clear plastic tubing and will probably snake it through the shifter hole and into the trans. I hope I feel a difference for 36 dollars worth of fluid.
Gordonm,
Let me know if it makes a difference in the feel and I'll do the same!!
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Old Oct 18, 2004 | 03:37 PM
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$36 is CHEAP. My Lincoln takes 12 quarts Mercon V (Dexron III in GM talk) full synthetic at more than $5/qt. Takes a special fluid transfer machine to change it, too. Tranny fluid change = $150
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