Moly additive

[ampm7]

I have used Moly additive (Guard Dog Moly and the previous Houston Co.) on all my Guzzi's in the final drive and trans in the Ambassador but was wondering whether it is needed in the newer Eldorado. Frankly, on my previous Guzzi's it made quite a difference but I will change the oil in the "transmission" as the Italians call the final drive when I change rear tires even though the manual says I don't need to but sometimes the Italians are stingy on the amount of grease and oils that they use. Any thoughts? The bike runs great!

[lucian]

The short answer is no. Any good synth gear lube is fine, I use valvoline synpower 75/90 in my 1400 custom. Change it with every rear tire change. No issues in 24,000 miles
 

[80CX100]

     I'm not familiar with that Moly additive or the 1400 bikes but I'll throw out these thoughts for your consideration.

     I've used a variety of Moly additives in the rear end diffs and can't see why it could cause problems, I'm not sure if it's needed though, especially with a high quality synthetic.

     I don't want to sound like a broken record, because I've mentioned this a few times already; but the last Moly additive I used was marketed and sold as a very high end super duper gear and manual transmission additive, I normally didn't add Moly to the tranny oil, but when I had a little left over from the rear end, I dumped it into the 5 speed tranny on my CX100.

     Shortly after, I had tranny issues and showed scarf in the fluid; I haven't cracked the tranny yet, but I suspect a thrust bearing failure.

     Apparently gears like Moly, but bearings don't, the Moly bonds so well that the bearings can cake and load up and not spin freely, fwiw ymmv jmho

     Good luck

     Kelly

[Burkslaw]

I once read that moly can cause a roller bearing to stop rolling and slide instead, leading to failure. I think I saw that on the internet, so it is true.

[kirby1923]

I once read that moly can cause a roller bearing to stop rolling and slide instead, leading to failure. I think I saw that on the internet, so it is true.

Actually true believe it or not.

Moly additive probably should not be added to you machine unless the manufacturer requires/recommends its use.
The friction properties,(very slippery), will/can... cause  "skidding" (damage) on high speed roller bearings.

Guzzi recommends (my manual CX 100) a small amount in the rear drive. Don't know about other models of Guzzi.

FWIW
:-)

[ampm7]

I've always used Amsoil synthetic gear oil and not had any problems with my VII and my EV but just in the final drive and not the transmission. I did however use it in my 1970 Ambassador in the tranny-so far no problems. The amount that is recommended in the final drive is 10-20%. At least in some of the older models. But I think it is good advice to change the oil everytime a new rear tire is put on as the 50,000km service seems excessive. You definitely want to use the liquid Moly for the drive and the grease for the spline. Thanks for your input.

[skippy]

Short answer, no.
Long answer, almost all, if not all Moto Guzzi's prior to the CARC bikes required a small amount of moly as specified by Moto Guzzi. I am not aware of any of the current bikes with such requirements. It very well maybe because of the advancements in lubrication technology but it most definitely is not the manufacturer being stingy. Moto Guzzi, and all manufacturers, specify lubrication requirements with not only reliability and longevity in mind but with mileage and efficiency as well.
I have read here some where, or maybe even in my own owners manual from my 06 B11 Breva that moly in the transmission (Bevel Drive) is not specified and will cause bearing damage.

Just my two cents.

Skippy   

[n3303j]

I don't run Molybdenum in any final drive or transmission (BMW, Ural or Moto Guzzi). I've looked at some I've run 80K miles and the gear faces are burnished to a sheen with negligible wear. I do run Amsoil Severe Gear 75W90.

I did buy a '98 V11EV that was run with Molybdenum for the 36K miles before I bought it. The ring gear needle bearing was failed. I figure it was the Molybdenum additive.

I assume someone at Guzzi owns stock in a Moly additive company (or 40+ year old oil formulas failed to perform under sliding pressure of gears)?

[s1120]

I hate when these threads come up...  I am getting ready to change the fluid in my final drive and I have the moly...  but now dont know if I should use it!! 

[kballowe]

 

Ride more, worry less

 

[Chuck in Indiana]

It is certainly not needed if you are using synthetic. If you are using dino oil, the manufacturer calls for it. Pretty easy..

[bodine99]

I am a fan of Redline Shockproof almost 20 yrs in my 76 airhead trans & final drive. Also Water Wetter in our 1 water cooled bike. No issues

[kirby1923]

I have found that red line does sorta tame the 5 speed but another benefit is that if you find a bit of a spot on the shop floor and its pink from the box, black from the rear drive (I use the specified moly) and amber from the engine.

:-)