Hey guys

I have having more doubts about XO now. It the whole description it doesn't once mention "Extreme Pressure" but most other oil products including EX/EXP and the like do. So I found another oil which might be an even better match. It is Castrol Hypoy LS and is SAE90. link:

http://129.35.64.91/bpglis/lubtds.nsf/tech...5C?OpenDocument

Looks this might be the exact same oil as per Honda Recommendation. What are your thoughts.

edit: just read that Mike has also found this product earlier, so what is the conclusion on this thing?

 

I still think SAF-XO is the way to go. If you are having doubts call Castrol Technical on 01793 452222 and aks their opinion (I wouldn't mind betting that "SAF" is the modern synthetic version of "Hypoy" and that the difference is just like that between mineral and synthetic oils for the engine).

 

Mike,

I have been on the phone to Honda Technical and the following is the outcome. They have said to use SAE90 ideally and I should be able to get it from one of the Honda Dealers. I told them that I didn't have any such luck so they phoned through to a dealer and got exactly the same response, tell the customer to get some from Hellfords. I did tell them.

My next question to them asked if I was to use any diff oil would it be better to have fully synth or mineral. They have told me that it makes no difference and both are good to use. Final question, if I am unable to source SAE 90 can I use 75W90 or 80W90 and they said yes. So it seems that the Castrol EPX 80W90 I have used is perfect for the job and no need to replace it. I bought it from Hellfords for around

 

Here I go again . I will order some Hypoy LS instead because these figures show the viscosity to be better than SAF and also good enough for our climate.

Hypoy
TYPICAL PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS SAE Rating 90
Relative Density @ 15

 

thanks for the additional info Rahul, but I think I'll stick with the SAF-XO.

I'm betting the performance of both will be similar but that the SAF will not degrade as quickly being synthetic. I'm pretty sure the GL5 rating takes into account the wear prevention characteristics of the oil (whatever the technical term for that is) and that either are ok in this respect. I don't think that a high viscosity is necessarily a good thing here ( I was worried about XJ being too thick) as the oil has to flow freely to lubricate the bearings (which I think are the weak point on this diff), whilst also avoiding wear to the gears.

Whilst a wear rating score for both would be interesting to compare, I'll bet they both score high enough. If cost or availability is an issue then the non-synthetic is probably the way to go, especailly if the oil is going to be changed regularly. But now I know I can buy some synthetic for

 

I have Redline Diff Oil, 75W90 in mine

 

I can't tell whether it's XJ or XO as the invoice I have doesn't specify. Oil was put in Oct 03 and I've done about 10,000 miles since then

 

I have corresponded with Road Rage who is a bit of a prolific poster on oil related topics over in 'under the hood'

following his advice I will be changing my oils with

Redline Heavy Shockproof gear oil for the diff - it has the viscosity of a 75W90 mineral oil but actually has a huge EP rating of 75W250.

and

Redline MTF for the gearbox

Road Rage also gave me the following info in case any of you are interested

oh, and some of you may have read in threads from over the pond that Redline MT90 or a 50/50 mix of MTL & MT90 is a good choice, but that is only appropriate for warmer climates - over here just stick to the MTL or similar weighted products as the 90 is a bit heavy for the UK weather!

HTH

 

Here is another product from Total (ELF) for those who want full synt stuff

http://www.lubadmin.com/upload/produit/Fic.../lang_1/506.pdf

and another

http://www.lubadmin.com/upload/produit/Fic.../lang_1/198.pdf

I personally am going to get single grade Castrol or Total stuff SAE 90. Roadrage is correct in one assumption, Honda have only specified as the right oil being SAE 90 and GL5. Not 75W/80W-90 or any other variation of it. Therefore I am sticking to that for the time being. I agree with Mike and think that a lot of the info from this thread could be used in the FAQ.

 

BTW this is the choice of SAE 90 products which I will decide upon tomorrow:

Elf:
http://www.lubadmin.com/upload/produit/Fic.../lang_1/504.pdf

Castrol:
http://129.35.64.91/bpglis/lubtds.nsf/tech...5C?OpenDocument

Silkolene BOA 90LS
http://64.233.183.104/search?q=cache:Z-EFw...BOA+90+LS&hl=en