Transmission oil for automatic washers

[turquoisedude]

Are there any specific types or grades of oil that should be used in a washing machine transmission or drive??
The latest project, the Westy L5 Laundromat, has a speed changer that is dry as a bone. There was not so much as a drop of oil in it. Needless to say, it doesn't turn at all and the spin gear shift does not budge. Based on advice I've been receiving (Thanks Chris and Greg!!) oil should free this up again, but I am just not sure what to put in there.
What has been used in other restorations??

 

[gyrafoam]

NON-DETERGENT!!!!!!!

I use Air Compressor oil.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Whirlpool specifies 60-weight non-detergent motor oil for both their belt-drive and direct drive transmissions, each requiring 15 ounces.

A 15-ounce bottle from Whirlpool is insanely priced by some suppliers for nearly $20 each. I had two leftover bottles from the 1990s that I used last summer, but after doing some research with some help from RevvinKevin, I've decided that my next transmission re-do will have Valvoline Racing 60-weight oil.

Racing oil has light detergent additives, fewer than are found in normal automotive oils, but are designed to be anti-foaming. I don't believe the heat or the action in these transmissions will make much of a difference between mild detergent oil and non-detergent oils, and with the price at less than $4 per quart at Auto-Zone, I figure it's worth a try.

I'd welcome any thoughts on that!

Gordon

 

[bobbyderegis]

Turquoisedude:
Contact the Dexter co. They carry the oil for use in solenoid shift trannies. I can get you the # and what to ask for.
Bobby in Boston

 

[bobbyderegis]

Turquoisedude:
Contact the Dexter co. They carry the oil for use in solenoid shift trannies. I can get you the # and what to ask for.
Bobby in Boston

 

[gyrafoam]

Detergents=corrosion over time.

 

[strongenough78]

Try Astroglide. LMAO just kidding.

 

[whitekingd]

In my 1960 Kenmore,

I used 2/3 60 weight non detergent oil, and 1/3 Power Punch (available at any auto parts retailer). But, my transmission had 40 years of use on it! It is quiet as a mouse!!

 

[turquoisedude]

Bobby, I think I have the part number

I just got a service manual for an L8 Laundromat and they mention "Laundromat Oil" Style 1465362. If the Dexter folks have something like that, I'm in!
Also, the manual mentioned that if the changer had been in a flood, to swill it out with a solvent called "solvex". Ever hear of that brand name??
I am thinking that since my changer is bone-dry, that the solvent might be a good idea to clean out and loosen up the gears.

 

[washendry]

Transmission oil

When I replaced the oil in my Bendix Duomatic, I used 30wt non detergent oil, no slipping and quiet
Kim,

 

[bobbyderegis]

Turquoise:
What do you mean by a changer? The shift arms that go into the tranny?
Bobby in Boston