600W Substitute

[Phred]

I will apologize in advance for starting another thread about 600W gear oil, I know there have been numerous opinions stated about it. I am sharing what I have found out.

Over 5 years ago I purchased a 5 gallon pail of Citgo Steam cylinder oil with a ISO viscosity of either 480 or 680 (I don't recall and have tossed the empty pail) for about $85. I now need to get some more product and my local oil distributor no longer carries cylinder oil.

As 600W is alleged to be a Mobil name/product, I began my research with Mobil ISO 680 viscosity products.

The "old" Mobil 636 has been discontinued and no longer available.

There is a Mobil SHC 636 which is a synthetic version of 636 and costs about $220 per 5 gal pail at a Mobil distributor.

There is a Mobil Extra Hecla Super Cylinder Oil (non synthetic and favored by steam engine enthusiasts, but only available in 55 gal drums by Mobil.

There is a Mobil Gear XP680 (non synthetic) available in 5 gal pails at about $120. Depending on your relationship with a Mobil distributor (I have none) it may be less expensive via internet. I used PetroleumServiceCompany.com

If a few guys or a club wanted to make a group purchase, this information might be of interest. As it has been said, "your mileage (and opinions) may vary".

Peace

[700rpm]

I'd rather just spend $8 and buy a quart from a Model A vendor. They need our business more than a big company or distributor, and we need to keep them in business with our patronage.

[Steve Plucker]

Try a Chevron dealer...They quoted me about $68.00 for a 5 gallon bucket of the "680" about two weeks ago.

Pluck

[glenn in camino]

I know there are heavier substitutes available, but 600W has worked for me for 40 years. I think 600W is really 140 weight gear oil.

[whirnot]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

I'd rather just spend $8 and buy a quart from a Model A vendor. They need our business more than a big company or distributor, and we need to keep them in business with our patronage.

I agree

[Art Bjornestad]

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Never use hypoid gear oil in a Model A tranny or rear end, the gears are not designed for any sort of EP or wiping oil action. Synchro boxes need it, A's don't.

[abennett]

Art: Explain.

[johnsor]

Over all the many years I have used 600W in numerous Model A's, I have never had a problem CAUSED by it, nor have I ever heard of anyone who has. Why would I want to use anything different?

[waltere]

Restoration Hardware! Great people! Had it at my door in just a few days.
Walter

[John LaVoy]

Lubriplate makes a nice replacement.

[Art Bjornestad]

Model A trannys have straight cut gears that have heavy impact when they mesh. If not cushioned with heavy oil that is designed to cling to the gear faces the case hardening on the faces will fail.

Hypoid oils like 140 or 70/80 are designed to immediatly leave the gear face because helical gear faces have a wiping action and they have no room for a 600 type heavy oil once they contact. All synchro boxes have helical cut gears.

[abennett]

Art: Aren't the differential gears helical cut?

[larrys40]

Excellent point. I would say keep using the same 600w I believe the equivalent of sae250 ,
Same we've all probably used forever and has done the job for many years

Larry a

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by 700rpm

I'd rather just spend $8 and buy a quart from a Model A vendor. They need our business more than a big company or distributor, and we need to keep them in business with our patronage.

agree

[George Miller]

Got my first A in 1960. I have never used any thing but modern gear oil I use the 85-140 now. Knock on wood never had a rear end or transmission fail. My cars get driven the A gets about 2,000 miles a year.

[ora masters]

me two

[Art Bjornestad]

Rear end gears are indeed helical but Henry told us to use 600 back there too.

I am not saying things will go south using oils that have EP additives but your shifting and gears will be smoother and last longer with 600

[George Miller]

If any one thinks STP is better than real gear oil maybe they should check it out.

[Purdy Swoft]

I've used 90-140 gear oil with no problem.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Phred

I will apologize in advance for starting another thread about 600W gear oil, I know there have been numerous opinions stated about it. I am sharing what I have found out.

Over 5 years ago I purchased a 5 gallon pail of Citgo Steam cylinder oil with a ISO viscosity of either 480 or 680 (I don't recall and have tossed the empty pail) for about $85. I now need to get some more product and my local oil distributor no longer carries cylinder oil.

As 600W is alleged to be a Mobil name/product, I began my research with Mobil ISO 680 viscosity products.

The "old" Mobil 636 has been discontinued and no longer available.

There is a Mobil SHC 636 which is a synthetic version of 636 and costs about $220 per 5 gal pail at a Mobil distributor.

There is a Mobil Extra Hecla Super Cylinder Oil (non synthetic and favored by steam engine enthusiasts, but only available in 55 gal drums by Mobil.

There is a Mobil Gear XP680 (non synthetic) available in 5 gal pails at about $120. Depending on your relationship with a Mobil distributor (I have none) it may be less expensive via internet. I used PetroleumServiceCompany.com

If a few guys or a club wanted to make a group purchase, this information might be of interest. As it has been said, "your mileage (and opinions) may vary".

Peace

Why not just buy the Mobil 600w?

Mobil Cylinder oils

Mobil cylinder oil 600W from Grainger