Manual Transmission Oil - What to use

2006 Eclipse, 5 speed, four cyclinder. Need to change the manual transmission oil. Service manual says to use DiaQueen multi gear oil 75W-80 (GL-3).

Went to the local Mitsubishi dealership to buy some, but they only have it in bulk. They tell me any muti-gear oil will work. So I go to Autozone and buy Valvoline 75W-90 (GL-5). Before I use it, I want to be sure I can use this rather than the DiaQueen. Believe it or not, I don't always trust what the guys at the dealership tell me. Thank you in advance.

don't use GL-5 if you have soft metals in the trans, it'll be eaten away

http://www.lubrizol.com/DrivelineAdditives/AutomotiveGearOil/GL5.html

from that link, you can get a lube with GL-4 ratings

stay away from GL-5

http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=46&pcid=7

i can get these at my local advance auto parts; they can order it for you and you can pick them up at your local store with no additional shipping fees

Thanks for the information and websites. I'm glad I asked. I returned the Valvoline GL-5 and will get some the of GL-4.

no problem, i was googling other sites that's specific to your car... looks like GL-4 lube will work

some use amsoil, i use redline, a few didn't like royal purple synthetic (was too slippery?!?)

well as long as it's that GL-4 specified, you'll be ok

http://www.dsmtalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=217898

but some states to use OEM fluid from the dealer only in other forums... your choice i guess

if it costs the same for 3 quarts, i'd go OEM

here's a bonus link :P

http://tearstone.com/shop/2006-Eclipse-Factory-Service-Manual.html

Ricebike, thanks again. I've tried to find stores/dealers in my area that sell GL-4 but it seems no one other than dealers carry it. Is that typical? I've concluded that my choices are to buy online or go to my local dealership with an empty container to buy from them (they said the would sell to me, but they only have it in bulk).

yea, it's pretty typical in my area too!

that's why i added that advance auto parts hint

they can pre-order them for me & i pay ahead of time; when they get it in their store, they'll call me to pick it up... i avoid shipping fees :P

if your dealer stocks the OEM stuff, go for it

i've notice a few local auto performance shops that do stock the amsoil and other brands... but they mark them up to cover the shipping to their store as well