Hard to Change Gear When Cold

[gavspav]

I just changed the gearbox oil in my 311 2003 Sprinter and now it is quite hard to get into gear until it is warmed up. I thought I must've used incorrect spec oil.

It was suprisingly difficult to find which gear oil to put in it but eventually I was told it is just normal EP80.

I had some EP80W90 so I used this. So does the W90 mean that it was the wrong oil? Or was I misinformed about the right oil to use? Anyone got any idea?

The chassis no. is WDB9036122R449141

Thanks,

Gavin

[steel-jaw-sasha]

I think you will find it is full synth oil 80w 85w90 gl4/5 is too thick

[gavspav]

Hmm ok that sounds likely.

Can I ask where did you get this info from?

And why did the dealer tell me it needed EP80!!

[steel-jaw-sasha]

EP means Extreme Pressure, so anywhere where gears mesh close together, i.e. diff or gearbox, the 80w fully synth will be EP rated it just very thin in viscosity, I checked with my oil supplier after having the same problem as you!!

[Star automotive solutions]

in my experience I only use merc oil, its not cheap but does the job, I presume it changed ok vefore the oil change? , Also the cables can do the same thing when they are worn up.