Getting a service done at Honda tomorrow, which involves a diff fluid change.

I know about the GL5/6 vs VTM 4 issue, so I confirmed it with the dealer. They have a Penzoil GL5 Fluid waiting to be used for my car.

Anyone know about this stuff?

 

What's the viscosity of the Pennzoil fluid? I used an 80W-140 once, and it made the LSD really noisy in tight, low speed turns. I would go get some Mobil 1 75W-90 for them to use if you can't get LE 607 in time.

 

well, looking at the Penzoil site, they have 3 kinds:

Gearplus 80W-140
Gearplus 80W-90
Synthetic 75W-90


I don't have my owner's manual handy, but what viscosity does the manual recommend? Cuz I'm sure the dealer would go for something closest to the recommended.

 

Honda recommends a straight 90W. The only 90W I know of is LE607, which I am very happy with.

 

You live in Pembrooke. Gets kinda cold there, right? If it were me, I'd stay away from the LE. It might be just a bit on the thick side when late fall, winter and early spring driving comes to mind. I use Mobil 1 75W90.

 

Did Honda not recommend 90W for all climates?

 

I've had good luck with M1, however I prefer Amsoil Series 2000 or severe service 75W90. Additionally, Redline gear lube is kind of like Sam Adams beer ... always a good choice.
The folks around here fancy the LE gear lubes. I think that stuff works dandy in the heat of the summer but might be a bit thick in the winter where ye be ... once again: Amsoil, Redline, or M1 for the best in the 75W90 weight category for the chillier environments.

Aarrrghhh!

 

Honda may recommend 90W for every environment ... however science be tellin' me that straight 90W be too damn thick for the temps near the likes of the Great White Norte...

Aarrrghhh!

 

There has been a lot of speculation about Honda concluding that the '00-'03 ring and pinion failures were caused by poor lubrication, so they redesigned the housing for '04. I would be extremely picky about the oil they use.

 

Would that be science, or intuition?