Early v11 gearbox oil

[OtisV11]

I remeber reading that early V11s dont like synthetic gearbox oil because of plastic bearing cases can anyone confirm this for me please. Cheers

[kballowe]

I remember reading that early V11s don't like synthetic gearbox oil because of plastic bearing cases can anyone confirm this for me please. Cheers

HOW early ?

[LaGrasta]

Since getting my 2003 a half year ago, I've been living on the V11 forum, and haven't found this anywhere.

[kballowe]

Here's one thread on the subject

https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=77695.0

[LaGrasta]

thanks @kballowe I had not heard this. Now I'm anxious to head home, and see what I actually used in mine. There's a good chance I did use dino.

[Moparnut72]

Legitimate question. I used to own a Dodge diesel PU with a Nv4500 transmission. I don't remember for sure but there were warnings that GL5 would eat the yellow metals in the trans. I put the wrong stuff something else and my synchros stopped working properly. I put the right lube back in and all was fine. I was following Guzzi rules I didn't want to pay the $20+ a quart for the Mopar lube as it required quite a few quarts.
kk

[LaGrasta]

i just checked, it's synthetic in all three, motor, trans, and rear-end.

[Mr Revhead]

I remeber reading that early V11s dont like synthetic gearbox oil because of plastic bearing cases can anyone confirm this for me please. Cheers

Nope. total rubbish.

[Ryan]

I ran shockproof heavy in my Tenni for a long time, and there was a noticeable improvent in shift quality.

[Tom H]

I do not know what your bearings are made with. But....

If they have the ummm...plastic cages..., I would stay with dino gear lube.

The link that was posted when I clicked it did not go directly to the article from SKF. But I  remember from reading it before, they did not recommend syn with the plastic cages.

Your mileage will vary. I run dino in my '04 EVT, GL-5. I do not know what the cages are. KISS is the way to go for my bike.

JMHO,
Tom

[JoeB]

Have a 98EV and it was a thing back then, or at least a topic for debate. Personally have used dino over the years and have had no problems.

[kballowe]

Interesting theory about synthetic oil and plastic cage bearings - and I also remember that article from SKF. 
I went looking for that article and came up empty, but I did find a couple of other articles that talk to the subject.
Here's an exerpt from one of them

"Polyalphaolefins (PAO) are commonly used in automotive applications as they can retain their lubricating properties even at extremely high and low temperatures. They also have good oxidation resistance and slightly higher viscosity compared to other lubricating oils. The main drawback of PAO lubricants is that they can break down common plastics such as PP, PE, and PVC."

What kind of plastic is in those bearings ?   I dunno.   Does this apply to them ?  I dunno.


Source:

https://3dinsider.com/lubricating-plastics/

[RinkRat II]

     www.skf.com/us/products/super-precision-bearings/principles/general-bearing-knowledge/bearing-basics

     Quick synopsis, when using synthetics at very high temps they could break down the plastics in their cages. 120c/250f. I doubt a Guzzi gearbox ever reaches those temps.

      Paul B

[kballowe]

Again, depending upon the plastic composition of the roller cages - which may or may not be either of these.


Polyamide 66

Polyamide 66 (PA66), with or without glass fibre reinforcement, is characterized by a favourable combination of strength and elasticity. Due to its excellent sliding properties on lubricated steel surfaces and the superior finish of the contact surfaces, PA66 cages reduce friction, frictional heat and wear. PA66 can be used at operating temperatures up to 120 °C (250 °F). However, some synthetic oils and greases with a synthetic oil base and lubricants containing EP additives, when used at high temperatures, can have a detrimental effect on PA66 cages.


Polyamide 46

Polyamide 46 (PA46) has the same excellent material properties as those of PA66. Glass fibre reinforced PA46 has a higher permissible operating temperature than glass fibre reinforced PA66 and can therefore be used at operating temperatures up to 135 °C (275 °F). However, as with PA66, some synthetic oils and greases with a synthetic oil base and lubricants containing EP additives, when used at high temperatures, can have a detrimental effect on PA46 cages.

[guido guzzi]

Here's Charley Cole's take on this...
https://www.zydecoracing.com/safety.html

[Vagrant]

Supposedly there is 10,000 pounds of polyamide 6,6 in every 747. I ran my 98 EV on Mobil 1 for 80,000 miles when I traded it on an 01 EV now with over 90,000 miles on the same. Obviously results vary.

[Chuck in Indiana]

^^^^ FWIW on an oil thread.  Back in the day, one of the best Guzzi mechanics I have known told me to run Mobil1 syn in the engine, transmission and rear drive of the Centauro. It was flawless for years and 10s of thousands of miles.
From fading memory.. *some* synthetic lubes don't play well with plastic bearing cages. I'm pretty sure Mobil 1 is ok.
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