I just purchased an '07 EGU. It is just shy of 20K on the clock. Seller had the 20K service at 17,500 mi. and I have the receipt from the dealer. Upon checking the crankcase level the oil looked as it should, a light golden color as fresh Syn3 should look. The trans however is perfectly clear. Clear as water but with some consistency. Is this normal? I thought the MOCO recommended Syn3 in all three holes but this is definitely not Syn3 in this trans.

 

Personally, I wouldn't run Syn3 in the tranny but that's just me. I prefer a gear oil.

 

I run Red Line Shockproof Heavy in the trans, smooth shifts and no clunk into first.

 

Don't know what kind of lube it was that was clear but chances are that the dealer used Formula+ in the transmission. Interesting questions about the type of lube to use in the tranny. Both Mobile1 and Amsoil recommend their 20w-50 motor oils in the transmission over their 75w-90/110 gear oil. Some thoughts are that GL-5 rated gear lubes are too harsh? I just swapped out my Walmart SuperTech 75w-140 syn gear lube for Amsoil 20w-50 MCV oil. Shifting itself not noticeably different but the 5th gear whine is slightly reduced.

 

amsoil looks clear, their gearlube is also kinda sticky.

 

Well now that I have read the Owners Manual I see that they specify the Formula+ in the Tranny and Primary. A little different than the position the MOCO took on the TC88 with the 5-speed. That was to use the SYN3 in all three holes. I thought that's why they call it SYN3.
I run SYN3 in my Dyna (TC88 5 speed) in the primary and tranny and run Mobil 1 in the crankcase. Is the Formula+ crystal clear? I can't say I've ever seen clear lube other than mineral oil, baby oil etc. I have some 90wt. gear oil I put in my Ford pickup rear end. I will go see what that looks like.

 

If you have the receipt from the dealer call them and ask them what they put in the trans can hurt!

 

I think I'll do that. I just went out and checked my bottle of 90wt. gear lube and it is amber colored, just like every other lubricant in my inventory.

Is the Formula+ crystal clear? 'Cause that's what shows up on my tranny dipstick.

 

While I use Shockproof Heavy in my tranny, I used F+ in my primary up until my last oil change when I switched to Rotella HDEO. IIRC the F+ was pretty clear. It did have a slight amber tint to it when pouring, but on a dipstick it probably would look clear. Call the dealer & see what they use, but I'd be willing to bet it's F+ since that's what HD recommends...

 

Never seen any clear lube other than KY jelly. Maybe you got screwed... hope your *** doesnt hurt.


On a more serious note, put some Bel Ray Gear Saver, Amsoil Severe Gear or Redline with Shockproof in it for a quieter and smoother tranny.