Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

what brands can sae 90 mineral oil be found in and are there any national auto supply chains that commonly stock it?

Try any (Ag) tractor dealer or tractor service center. I bought some in 5 gal. plastic bucket at WalMart some 10 or 12 years ago. Not sure if urban Wal-Marts carry it or not.

Why do you need 90W mineral oil?

taking out o/d and want to refill trans and overderive when i put it back in

That wouldn't be my choice of lubricant for your transmission and OD, but I've bought straight mineral oil gear oils in 90 to 160 weights from the local auto parts store. But you'll need a friendly counterman willing to take the time to order it. Brands are usually Valvoline, Pennzoil, or Mobil, usually only available in 5 gallon units. You can also get it thru the Model A suppliers, and thru good industrial supply houses like MSC and perhaps McMaster-Carr though shipping would be not inconsiderable.

was just going by what the manual said to use. what would you suggest?

I think the group will agree that it has had good luck with SAE 85W-140 GL-5 gear oil. It is readily available at parts stores.

I agree! I use it for transmissions, overdrives and rear axles for all Packards from the onset of the hypoid rear axle. I especially like it for manual transmissions from 1932 and up; the extra viscosity helps retard gear spin and gives the synchronizers an easier time.

ok, i'll bow to the wisdom of you guys who have been using it . i just did not want to screw things up using the wrong stuff

Thanks. That was going to be one of my future questions. Maybe we should have a thread or section on here to recommend fluids or their modern replacements since most of the ones recommended in manuals are usually not available.