THE PORTAL HUB - Pinzgauers, Haflingers, Volvo 303s and more!

My 710M's transmission is filled with the factory specified SAE 90 gear oil - Thilo (from whom I purchased my truck) is very specific about using only the "correct" lubricants. It is getting into the low 20's and teens here and the transmission is very hard to shift when cold. It feels like it is filled with molasses. It gets better as things warm up, but it takes several miles. Since I live in a small town, sometimes it doesn't get warm enough when running short errands.

I've been wanting to switch to Redline MT-90 as many of you have done. Does it work well in cold climates? My thought is that the synthetic oil doesn't have the same temp vs viscosity curve as regular "dino" oil.

Comments appreciated!

The MT90 was a definite improvement in both of my Pinzees. Not just easier shifting but a smoother feeling overall.

Auto oils have moved WAY ahead since the 70's and old specs have little to do with the present. The MT90 oil should be the only oil everyone runs in their Pinz/G/Volvo transmissions for any conditions, hot or cold.

Ordering some today. Thanks!

I have used it for 10 years in my Pinz, and plan to use it as long as I own it. Good stuff!

I will be 'that guy' and say that I drove my Pinz with 90wt cheap-o and put in MT-90 a few months ago and didn't notice any (yet alone hundreds of dollars) worth of difference. That being said, my Pinz shifted great before and it still does now. Had it in 30degF and felt the same. Your wallet will hurt after buying the stuff, but any improvement and I'd consider it worth it! Good luck!

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I also switched to MT90 some years ago. It seems like it shifts smoother, particularly in cold temps, and it seems like the gear noise wasn't as loud. Probably just wishful thinking, though!

"hundreds of dollars"?

Maybe he filled everything with MT90? Or had somebody do the change for him (i.e. labor)?

I agree with the idea of using a conventional (cheaper) oil for the portals and diffs and change it annually depending on the usage - but my experience with the MT90 in the tranny in several older vehicles has been good. It is available for about $15 per quart...

MT90 made a big difference in the cold shifting in our 710M... Not so much in my 712W. It just depends on the individual tranny, the wear or abuse it has seen, etc.

VinceAtReal4x4s wrote:"hundreds of dollars"?

Yeah, when I ordered it for the tranny and t-case (plus a spare quart for leaks) I was out $180+shipping. :/ So barely hundreds. Got it off Amazon, idk if y'all have a better source. I'd love to hear.

I use it only in the transmission. A bit less than 2 quarts at $18.94/qt from Amazon.

Worth every penny.

Been using it for years in my bikes, glad I can use it in the Pinz. Only downside is you generally can't pick it up locally in a store, so a little planning ahead is needed.

What a difference! Everything about the shift performance of this trans is improved. It now glides into gear where previously it needed to be coaxed. Liquid magic

I purchased mine via ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/360964061493?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT $43.89 for 3 quarts ($14.63/qt) with free shipping and zero tax. It was here in 5 days.