lubrication question

[Ron Pier]

Richard Farrant who worked in army workshops for many years, tells us that the modern equivalent of C600 is SAE 140 gear oil. (note NOT EP140) . Ron

[Lynn Eades]

Thank you all. Mike, you comments made me think of something. I pulled the lid on a Dodge 4 speed that had been sitting for years. (war time oil?) It had a skin over everything inside (except the contacting areas) the box was in very good condition. I have seen gear boxes opened with later oil in them and the oil had drained away on top and all above the oil line was rusty. I wonder if this box had this type of oil?
The coating was like a plastic skin that we used to find on some new gears back in the 70s. as I recall the gears were blackish but the oil looked nice and clean (given time to settle it always does)

[Tony Smith]

Lots of discussions on US + UK vehicles forums and vintage machinery forums (https://www.google.com.au/search?sou...sclient=psy-ab) list the history of this oil and possible modern equivalents.

Suggestions include 140W Gear Oil, 250W Gear Oil or 680 Steam Oil.

Some even consider that the "W" does not refer to Weight or Winter as per modern parlance, but that the original oil was Mineral Oil compounded with Whale Oil! Try finding that today.

[Lynn Eades]

Well, there's only one thing to say to that, but I won't