Re: alfa-digest V7 #209

[VLADDS@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 10/29/98 2:11:09 AM Eastern Standard Time, owner-alfa-
digest@domain.elided writes:

<< I recently had to drain the gearbox oil on my 91 164L to replace the
clutch. I
 found gear oil in the box (I'm the 2nd Owner). According to the manual and
the
 164 CarDisc it wants Dexron II. I have talked to various people and get
 conflicting info. One dealer told me Alfa changed its recommendation
 (supposedly in a service bulletin) to 80-90 GL5 gear oil due input bearing
 failure. Another dealer told me to use Dexron III. And the third told me use
 either Dexron III or refill with synthetic gear oil. I have looked at the 164
 page and it talks about all three recommendations but nothing specific. I
 refilled the gearbox with Mobil 1 Synthetic GL5 70-95, but it does not seem
to
 shift as smooth as before.
 
 Can someone shed some light on what Alfa really wants in the gearbox.
 Any help will be greatly appreciated!!
 
 Robert >>
Hi Robert
I have a '91 164 L too and had to drain the oil out of transmission and swap
transmissions.Both came with something that looked like gear oil but didn't
smell quite like it.
Now what u should do, if I may suggest this is to get the Car-Disk.I had asked
myself same question and same as you was given various answers.But the car-
disc has a section of AR factory printouts designed for the dealers.In one of
them it said that the transmission was filled from the factory with the Rotra
oil that is a kind of gear oil that meets the specs of dexron and can be
topped off with such.
So go with dexron, as I did the same and feel quite happy except a small leak
from one of the axle input seals that drips straight over the exhaust pipe,
but have that seal on order.
As far as Dexron III (which I have used), it exceeds the performances of
Dexron II.That's how I judged it. I have no complaints about smoothness.
I hope this helps..
On a different matter, I saw first time yesterday close the 164 LS.This is
what they called in EU 164 Super.I wasn't sure if it was sent here.
Also, if this helps anyone I just want to clarify and say that 164 doesn't
follow as a model 75-Milano, but the AR 90.
75-Milano was followed by 155.
Therefore it's not the best comparison to make, between 164 and 75.
I think that a Milano, and the feeling it gives (say the verde) should be
compared with an 155 verde, that is full-time 4wd .

Vlad
'91 164L

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End of alfa-digest V7 #210
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