I've discovered 140 grade oil at a local stockist, but I'm spoilt for choice.
Do I go for EP140 or SAE140? I'm told that the EP grade is not suited for use with phosphor bronze bearings.
What do the experts say?
Gearbox Oil
Moderators: John@sos, charlesp, Charles uk, RickUK, Petergalileo
Hello Philedva - you've been advised correctly - EP (extreme pressure) oils have additives which can affect bronze parts - how detrimental this would be to a Seagull gearbox with three brass bushes is very questionable.
Some types of reduction gearbox use bronze gears, and that would be a different matter.
EP oils are intended for gearing which has a lot of pressure and sliding contact such as spiral bevels or worms and wheels - Seagull gearing doesn't have these patterns - more like an egg whisk!
Take the safe option and use the straight 140, but I wouldn't be concerned either way, especially as Seagull 'boxes run cold. Rick
Some types of reduction gearbox use bronze gears, and that would be a different matter.
EP oils are intended for gearing which has a lot of pressure and sliding contact such as spiral bevels or worms and wheels - Seagull gearing doesn't have these patterns - more like an egg whisk!
Take the safe option and use the straight 140, but I wouldn't be concerned either way, especially as Seagull 'boxes run cold. Rick