French lathe oil conversion

[pro115]

I am in need of some advice about what type and viscosity lubricant to use in my French 1982 vintage lathe gear box. The owners manual States the following.

2.5 degrees Engler at 50 degrees centigrade hydraulic oil.

Let me tell you about the gear box. Typical straight cut gears however the gear box contains wet clutches and yellow metals. Any help would be great.

Shell, Mobil, and Amsoil tech support were little to no help.

 

[bepperb]

2.5 degrees Engler ~ 16 Cst ~ which at 50 degrees is very thin.

The closest I can find (granted I haven't looked very hard) is 32 at 40, which would be close enough I would think.

http://www.zorotools.com/g/Hydraulic Oils/00065931/None

 

[Doog]

You want a 20w or 30w gear oil. Redline makes a lightweight shockproof that is a 30w. Not sure if it is clutch compatible.

 

[Doog]

Redline also makes a lightweight racing atf which is thin and clutch compatible

http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=137&pcid=9


I would call their customer service tech.

 

[roadrunner1]

Why not just an ISO 32 tractor/hydraulic fluid? Fully compatitable with all you mentioned and easily obtainable.

 

[camelCase]

I personally work with an older lathe that requires a super light weight oil like that. The reasoning is that the very tight clearances require a thin lubricant to get into the spindle and such when spinning fast.

DO NOT put 20W or 30W gear lubricant in this. If it's anything like the lathe I work with - it will destroy your spindle.

Go with a light weight Antiwear hydraulic fluid. an ISO 22 or lower is what you need.