I plan on draining the transmission pan on my manual 5 speed with OD. (I'm having grinding problems getting into first. Adjusting the clutch cable didnt work and this seemed like the next easiest step.)
The problem is that I don't know what kind of transmission fluid I have in the car. I don't know if the previous owner switched to synthetic fluid. The motor oil is synthetic so its possible. Is there a way to check for this? I assume its pretty damaging to mixed types of transmission fluid.
Thanks

From the book, not from experience - book being the 1987 240 Owner's Manual.

Transmission type: M47 II

Capacity: 1.4 US quarts = 1.3 liters

Fluid type: ATF Type F or G (FLM)

Replace at 500-1200 miles service only.

The oil level should be up to the level/filler plug.

When replacing transmission oil, drain the oil immediately after driving, when it is still hot, by removing the drain plug.



From another BB post - the overdrive is a hydraulically controlled system, thus the use of ATF rather than an heavy weight oil.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

>>From another BB post - the overdrive is a hydraulically controlled system, thus the use of ATF rather than an heavy weight oil.

Was that a post on the M47??

Don't remember. It would have been on a stick shift, not an autobox. It was an explanatin of why to use Auto TF on a Manual.

Regards,

Bob

:>)

You could always fill, drive it for a few miles, then drain and refill with your favoite lube. I use regular automatic transmission fluid since that's what is called out in the driver's manual. But I've been thinking seriously of changing it to like a 70 weight gear oil. I too have a crunchy gear only mine is 3rd. I baby it as best I can but the synchromesh on that gear is all but gone. A guy I know just changed some tranny linkage bushings on his wife's 93 cause it started to become a real chore to get it into 1st from a dead stop. He said they made a huge difference and was easy to install. I think he said the whole job is done from inside the car. Anyone else done this tranny linkage bushing job? How long does it take. What's involved? My car has that problem too so I may also get one of those bushing kits. They are pennies on eBay.
--
It's Jim (in Hartford CT)

This site is helpful. It talks specifically about the 3rd gear problem. Unfortunatley it may be mechanical.
http://www3.bc.sympatico.ca/Volvo_Books/trans2.html

Thanks for the help. After some brickboard research, I think I will just flush the transmission fluid and fill with lots of redline MTL. It sounds like this stuff is expensive but highly recommended. In the past three years I havent changed the tranny fluid at all so its probably due for a flush anyway. Hopefully this will do the trick.
If not, those bushings might be the next best option.

I highly recommend MTL in an M46; shifts and OD both are significantly better.
The shifter bushings are easily installed from under the car.

Do what you think is best, but I would be very shy about putting that Redline product in. Why? Because that stuff is super slippery and synchos work with friction. I'm no expert on this, but that's exactly why I was thinking some heavier weight gear lube would better. Maybe somebody else knows more about this?
--
It's Jim (in Hartford CT)

The synchros are designed for ATF, and that's what you should use.

The bearing/bushing and gear tolerances are also deisgned with ATF (10wt) oil in mind, and using anything thicker will HURT lubrication more than help the synchros.

The synchros are very wear resistant when used as designed (clutch DIS-engaged during shifts), and will typically out-last the car (Volvo).

With the M47 trans., you should OVERFILL it by 1/2 qt or so to be sure the rear bearings get the lube they need (factory oops on the level).
--
JohnG 1989 245 MT @ 235,000

Do you know if Redline MTF is heavier than ATF?
I have the Redline MTF on the way, because it came so highly recommended. Is it worth cancelling the order and switching?
Thanks