andezzat
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SW20 with Red Top BEAMS - S54 Grinds
Hello all!
I've recently just purchased a 96 SW20 with a 98 BEAMS that's done 80,000kms along with a S54 gearbox with similar Ks on it.
Everything is perfect, however the transmission is very anal about downshifts, even when you DO revmatch it grinds a little and struggles to just go in.
From my readings online, I found that the best thing to do according to many people is to fill the transmission with 2 quarts of 75W-90 GL-4 and 1 quart of Pennzoil Syncromesh. According to most having those issues, S boxes experience this sort of thing often and it's likely due to the syncros not playing nicely, Pennzoil Syncromesh usually alleviates the problem pretty well for everyone!
Thoughts?
And where can I get a hold of Pennzoil in Melbourne or anywhere in AU for the matter that ships this stuff.
So far only finding it in US, not sure if I should ship to US address and get AusPost to ship to AU like they do?
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Falcon
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Re: SW20 with Red Top BEAMS - S54 Grinds
2016/05/24 05:41:54
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As it is only a new purchase you probably don't know what oil has been in there. I suspect that GL5 oils are responsible for buggering up syncro function. If this has occurred or the syncros are simply worn out then nothing short of a recondition will help. Poor clutch adjustment or operation also can cause premature syncro wear. This can be diagnosed reasonably accurately .
Before you start rooting about being an oil chemist why not empty out whatever is in there and refill with DEXRON 3.Auto Trans Fluid. (Penrite have excellent products). Make absolutely sure the clutch is fully disengaging and not dragging. Drive it for 500 or 1000km and see if there is a significant difference. Please report back how it goes as it can be very helpful to the whole community. I have been using another oil quite successfully in both the S54 and the E153 gearboxes but I suspect it may be a little too heavy in viscosity.
Also check the condition of the two bushes gearbox end of gear change cables. (Delta V. here in Australia market an excellent replacement kit). In the same area there is a square sacrificial bush (Sugar cube). Available from Toyota for bugger all.
Oh and welcome !! This is a great group.
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Dudeman
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Re: SW20 with Red Top BEAMS - S54 Grinds
2016/05/24 06:53:54
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andezzat
Hello all!
I've recently just purchased a 96 SW20 with a 98 BEAMS that's done 80,000kms along with a S54 gearbox with similar Ks on it.
Everything is perfect, however the transmission is very anal about downshifts, even when you DO revmatch it grinds a little and struggles to just go in.
Sounds like an n/a that could benefit from a BOV.
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xez
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Re: SW20 with Red Top BEAMS - S54 Grinds
2016/05/24 08:42:09
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I agree with Falcon - if you're not sure what's currently in there, just change it with a good solid GL-4 gear oil and see how it feels.
I use Castrol EasyShift 75W90 (now called Syntrans), and it shifts nicely.
The other thing, depending where the BEAMS engine/gearbox came from, they often don't have accurate mileage ex-Japan, so maybe the synchros are just a bit more worn than the mileage may suggest.
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rikkir
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Re: SW20 with Red Top BEAMS - S54 Grinds
2016/05/24 10:19:39
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xez
The other thing, depending where the BEAMS engine/gearbox came from, they often don't have accurate mileage ex-Japan, so maybe the synchros are just a bit more worn than the mileage may suggest.
My Beams half cut was advertised with only 47,000kms on it, but i discovered old service lablels that indicated it was more like 147,000kms, so as xez said it is quite possible the motor and gearbox has done substantially more then you've been told. I'm running Redline gearbox oil and have no problems (fortunately) :)
Silver 1997 SW20 Bathurst with 
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xez
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Re: SW20 with Red Top BEAMS - S54 Grinds
2016/05/24 11:12:37
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Which Redline product are you using Rick? MT90?
I've had mixed experiences with Superlight Shockproof and wouldn't recommend it generally...
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rikkir
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Re: SW20 with Red Top BEAMS - S54 Grinds
2016/05/24 11:39:57
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I am running the lightweight shockproof and haven't had any problems, gearshift is great on both road and track.
Silver 1997 SW20 Bathurst with
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Falcon
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Re: SW20 with Red Top BEAMS - S54 Grinds
2016/05/24 11:43:52
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Just to clarify. I have particularly suggested that he use ATF 3. for 1000km.first and then report the result for a very good reason. Thanks guys. It is only a suggestion. We really don't want to get into a bloody oil opinion thing.
Cheers.
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Carmikey
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Re: SW20 with Red Top BEAMS - S54 Grinds
2016/05/24 12:24:12
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xez
I agree with Falcon - if you're not sure what's currently in there, just change it with a good solid GL-4 gear oil and see how it feels.
I use Castrol EasyShift 75W90 (now called Syntrans), and it shifts nicely.
The other thing, depending where the BEAMS engine/gearbox came from, they often don't have accurate mileage ex-Japan, so maybe the synchros are just a bit more worn than the mileage may suggest.
Maybe not a good choice of oil, the Castrol EasyShift 75W90 (now called Syntrans) so state you are using is a GL5 type... not good for syncros.
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mister2
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Re: SW20 with Red Top BEAMS - S54 Grinds
2016/05/24 12:47:53
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This is from the data sheet for Castrol Syntrans 75W-90 – formerly know as 'Caltex Easyshift':  SPECIFICATION/TECHNICAL DATA : API GL-4 So, it is not GL-5. It is GL-4 and can be used in MR2s quite safely. Another option in a less worn transmission might be Castrol Syntrans 75W-85, which is "Suitable in place of SAE 75W, 80W, 75W-80, 75W-90" and "API GL-3, GL-4". : http://www.castrol.com/en_au/australia/products/cars/manual-transmission-fluids/syntrans-75W-85w.html
post edited by mister2 - 2016/05/24 13:52:40
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xez
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Re: SW20 with Red Top BEAMS - S54 Grinds
2016/05/24 15:11:06
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Thanks mister2 - yes, it's GL-4 rated, which is why I chose it. That spec sheet is actually the "heavy duty" version for trucks, etc. 400,000km change interval - whoa. 
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mister2
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Re: SW20 with Red Top BEAMS - S54 Grinds
2016/05/24 15:34:54
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xez 400,000km change interval - whoa. Well… you know some people don't change their fluids as often as they should! But back in the NOT 'heavy duty' world, it appears that Castrol Syntrans 75W-85 has taken the place of 75W-90… and that's still GL-4 too: Castrol Syntrans 75W-85 is suitable where the following performance levels are specified:API GL-3, GL-4SAE 75W-85; Suitable in place of SAE 75W, 80W, 75W-80, 75W-90
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andezzat
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Re: SW20 with Red Top BEAMS - S54 Grinds
2016/05/24 20:49:50
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Thanks so much for this responnse. Hahaha, nah man I ain't no oil chemist, just what I read and wondering if it was right. Matter of fact the guy (previous owner) did put GL-5 in there... :| Is that it? Goodbye syncros? EDIT: Replying to Falcon, who said GL-5 is bad for syncros lol
post edited by andezzat - 2016/05/24 20:54:16
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andezzat
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Re: SW20 with Red Top BEAMS - S54 Grinds
2016/05/24 21:09:24
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Just spoke to the previous owner. He said GL-5 is what Toyota recommends. RIP. Here is prayer the syncros haven't given up on me... yet. EDIT: He searched up the wrong gearbox: E153... sigh.
post edited by andezzat - 2016/05/24 21:12:30
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andezzat
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Re: SW20 with Red Top BEAMS - S54 Grinds
2016/05/24 21:16:37
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Falcon
empty out whatever is in there and refill with DEXRON 3.Auto Trans Fluid. (Penrite have excellent products).
Is this it? autobarn(dot)com.au/penrite-atf-dxiii-4-ltr-atfdx3004
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