Manual transmission fluid for '81 Spider

[rjkoop]

I'm looking to replace the transmission fluid in my '81. This stuff is hard to find.

Transmission: NAPA SAE90 GL-1. Part# 65-201

I went to NAPA in Ottawa, Canada and I got a lot of confused looks and they couldn't find it on there system. What's a good source for this stuff? I'm driving down to the states this weekend so maybe I'll check the NAPA stores in the U.S.

I just found this link so I think they should carry it.

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Catal ... 0410679149

[81SPIDERMATT]

cant help with original question but wanted to let you know that the fill plug can be quite stubborn and should be the first thing you do .... make sure you have the fill plug loose or removed before draining... you do not want an empty tranny and then find out you can't get the fill plug out ..... Matt

[rjkoop]

cant help with original question but wanted to let you know that the fill plug can be quite stubborn and should be the first thing you do .... make sure you have the fill plug loose or removed before draining... you do not want an empty tranny and then find out you can't get the fill plug out ..... Matt

For sure. Already got the fill plug removed based on the advice here. Wasn't too bad on my '81. Was thinking about taking off the tranny pan as well to look at the inside and replace the gasket.

[4uall]

Think I may have sent you this before

http://wwwe.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopi ... ansmission

The very first pic is something I picked up at the Napa located on Enterprise (?) off of Merivale. Stuff made an immediate improvement

[rjkoop]

I'm in the process of rebuilding my rear calipers. I noticed that one of the snap rings that hold the parking brake level on was missing. Any idea on where I can get a snap ring for the rear caliper? I don't see one on autoricambi.

It's #3 in the this picture.

http://italiancarsclub.free.fr/Centre-D ... aliper.gif

Richard

[76was124]

I'm looking to replace the transmission fluid in my '81.
Transmission: NAPA SAE90 GL-1. Part# 65-201

Many but not all Napa stores carry it in the Detroit area. Royal Oak michigan has/had it, bought it just a month ago. You can call each store and give them the Napa part number, they will tell you if they have it in stock.

[redcars]

Snap rings are a general thing. A good parts store should have them. Just take them a sample ok
What you need

[divace73]

just beware to make sure you get a NON EP oil...I am led to believe the additive for the EP can severely affect the brass syncrho's...others may chime in to confirm or deny??

[vandor]

Yes, Fiat has said that EP oil will damage the synchros. That is why I use 20w50 motor oil, as it is about the same viscosity as 80w90 gear oil.
Interestingly replacement Lada gearboxes (which are the same basic Fiat 124 design) come from the factory with EP oil (the smell is unmistakeable). Go figure...

[divace73]

Yes, Fiat has said that EP oil will damage the synchros. That is why I use 20w50 motor oil, as it is about the same viscosity as 80w90 gear oil.
Interestingly replacement Lada gearboxes (which are the same basic Fiat 124 design) come from the factory with EP oil (the smell is unmistakeable). Go figure...

do the Lada's gear box's have brass synchros?

[vandor]

Yup.

[btoran]

i'm curious, what would failing synchros sound like and how expensive would they be to replace?

[BEEK]

failing syncros sound, begins with a slight grind when up shifting and down shifting. you can feel it in the shifter, the gear doesnt come up to speed so the shift hub grinds against the mating part on the gear. after a short time this grinding becomes more and more regular and obvious. at this point damage has begun to the shift sleeve and the gear. if you stop using it as soon as it starts to grind, you can usually get away with just new syncro's. after you grind it for a while even a small grind going into gear. the hub will deteriorate and then it will begin to pop out of gear, because the same teeth that get ground on when shifting are what holds the transmission in gear.

[BEEK]

[BEEK]

as for expense, that depends on who rebuilds your transmission. All of this sites vendors sell syncro's, so you can get a good idea how much the parts cost. As for labor you need to determine who will be building your transmission and get a quote first on labor.