(1) The Saab 5-speed is known to be sensitive to the fluid used, as I found out when I changed to MTL in my '91. The result, $3k for a new tranny, and I'm not alone. That said, M1 may be just fine--but why risk it?

(2) The owner's manual for your car states not to use synthetic oil in the manual tranny. The reasons for this are a bit foggy, but apparently the synchronizers may have a problem with the lubricity compared to fossil oil, which is what this tranny was designed to use. Townsend has stated that they've gotten good results using Amsoil 20w50 synthetic engine oil, so I would consider that as a good endorsement. But without intentionally casting doubt on their well-deserved reputation, they did once recommend Redline MTL, if I'm not sorely mistaken, until it trashed a transaxle they disassembled causing massive bearing damage, similar to what I experienced.
Now they don't think so highly of it.

You can do what you wish, of course, but I'll stick by Saab's recommendations as long as I own a 9K and its quirky 5-speed. Although the new Saab fluid is synthetic and the manual says not to use synthetic, the fact that it was formulated after the fact and has their full endorsement, it has my total confidence to use it. As I said, I use it in my '95 Aero, and after about 15k miles all is well. Shifting is perceptively smoother, but not much. I changed because Saab claims better bearing and gear life. It'd better do something well at $13.40/qt ($10 discounted).

• Mobil 1 - 15/50 in CSE Tranny?, MJacks, Sat, 16 Dec 2000 02:12:25
  • Oil Bible (independant too), daren, Sun, 17 Dec 2000 15:29:58
  • What about Mobil 1 gear oil?, MJacks, Sat, 16 Dec 2000 14:17:45
    • More on the Saab fluid, Robert Davis, Sat, 16 Dec 2000 22:05:11
      • Robert, What is the TSB?, MJacks, Sun, 17 Dec 2000 14:45:04
    • Another Data Point, Dave Speed, Sat, 16 Dec 2000 16:24:27
      • Two reasons why not to use M1 in the tranny..., Robert Davis, Sat, 16 Dec 2000 22:20:11 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Re: Mobil 1 - 15/50 in CSE Tranny?, Robert Davis, Sat, 16 Dec 2000 09:05:34
    • Auto or Manual Robert?, MJacks, Sat, 16 Dec 2000 14:07:13
      • Manual (n/m), Robert Davis, Sat, 16 Dec 2000 21:55:58
      • 9KTA: 9000 Turbo Automatic 2.3L n/m, Daren, Sat, 16 Dec 2000 16:22:08
      • Oops, I mean Daren, sorry Robert n/m, MJacks, Sat, 16 Dec 2000 14:09:08
        • MolySlip G is for Manual Trany, daren, Sun, 17 Dec 2000 11:58:19
    • Molyslip ATFA, daren, Sat, 16 Dec 2000 12:45:37
      • Re: Molyslip ATFA, steveC in BC, Sat, 16 Dec 2000 15:48:25
  • yes, don't use it........., steveC in BC, Sat, 16 Dec 2000 03:21:37

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