IK1300016 - New Synthetic Oil for Eaton and Spicer Transmissions

Page 1 of 5

CANADA, COLOMBIA,
Document
UNITED STATES,
Countries:
IK1300016
PUERTO RICO,
ID:
SOUTH AFRICA
ISIS, Bus ISIS,
Availability:
Revision: 3
FleetISIS
Major
TRANSMISSION
Created: 1/14/2007
System:
Current
English
Language:
Other
Portuguese,
Languages:
Viewed:

Last
Modified:

4/30/2014

Author:

Matthew
Boyer

1277
Less Info

Hide Details

Copy Link

Coding Information
Copy Relative
Link

Bookmark

Add to
Favorites

Print

Provide
Feedback

View My
Bookmarks

Helpful

Not Helpful

186

400

Title : New Synthetic Oil for Eaton and Spicer Transmissions
Applies To : Eaton and Spicer Starting 04/01/2006
DESCRIPTION
International Truck and Engine Corporation ® assembly plants are installing a new synthetic transmission fluid
in all Eaton ® and Spicer ® manual transmissions. This includes Eaton ® Autoshift and Ultrashift models. This
new synthetic fluid must be used in all above mentioned transmissions built after 04/01/2006. Failure to do so
will void Eaton ® extended warranty. The International ® part number for this new synthetic fluid is 2645218R1.
Please note that this new fluid is amber in color. This new synthetic fluid is completely compatible with the old
synthetic fluid (red) and can be used to top off transmissions that are low on fluid even though they have the old
synthetic fluid (red) in them. If a transmission built before 4/1/2006 is at or past the recommended drain interval,
it is acceptable to use up your old style synthetic fluid (red), but the new style synthetic fluid (amber) should be
used as soon as possible
The information supplied herein has been furnished by the manufacturer and/or the supplier for use with its
product. International Truck and Engine Corporation ® reprints this information based on representations made
to the Company. While users are urged to carefully follow the instructions accompanying the product,
International cannot accept any responsibility for user errors, or mishaps resulting from such errors, or from any
misuse of the product.
*Please read attached Newsletter from COGNIS synlubes technology
To meet the new Eaton ® PS-164 Rev.7 Extended Drain Specification, Cognis ® has developed a new full
synthetic transmission lubricant referred to as Emgard 2979 SAE 50. Cognis ® is completing all major OEM
component approvals. This newsletter will provide customers / rebrander with basic information, to prepare your
systems and organizations with necessary information.

EMGARD 2979 Synthetic SAE 50 Manual Transmission Lubricant (Roadranger ® SAE 50) intends to
meet or exceed all OEM extended drain component performance requirements:

https://evalue.internationaldelivers.com/service_kb/DocTool/ArticleViewer.aspx?ControlID... 5/5/2014

IK1300016 - New Synthetic Oil for Eaton and Spicer Transmissions

Page 2 of 5

• API MT-1
• Eaton ® PS 164 rev 7
• ArvinMeritor® O-81 (pending)
• International ® TMS 6816
• Mack Truck TO-A-PLUS
• ZF TE-ML 02L (pending)

EMGARD 2979 SAE 50 (Roadranger ® , SAE 50) provides proven field tested performance benefits such
as:
• Maximum drain interval up to 500,000 miles
• Improved gear and bearing protection
• Excellent seal compatibility to insure long life
• Maximum extreme hot and cold temperature performance

FAQ - related to the new product roll out: EMGARD 2979 SAE 50 / Roadranger ® SAE 50
Commercialization Date?
Emgard 2979 (Roadranger ® SAE 50) will be launched in April 2006.
Why did the Eaton ® specification Change?
The current Cognis ® product was designed in the 1970's. Since that time, many changes have occurred with
the transmission design, engine horsepower and driver preference. The new product was specially formulated
for improved wear performance, all temperature performance and fuel economy.
Was the change absolutely necessary?
The change was necessary to receive Eaton ® 's approval under their new PS-164 Rev. 7 Specification for
extended warranty and drain with their transmissions.
Can we continue to use the old Roadranger ® approved lubes?
We are advising customers to use up inventory of the existing lubricant, and begin ordering the new approved
lubricant that meets Eaton ® 's PS-164 Rev 7. The existing Roadranger ® approved lubricant can still be used
in currently running trucks, however we recommend that when servicing these vehicles, use the new lubricant,
as they are completely compatible.
Why is the new Roadranger ® approved gear lubricant a different color? Most transmission lubricants
are red, why choose amber?
A color is not specified in Eaton ® 's PS-164 Rev 7. Cognis chose to maintain the natural color for the new
MTF, which is Amber (please refer to color chart below).

https://evalue.internationaldelivers.com/service_kb/DocTool/ArticleViewer.aspx?ControlID... 5/5/2014

IK1300016 - New Synthetic Oil for Eaton and Spicer Transmissions

Page 3 of 5

Will it stay amber after it has been used in the transmission?
No, all transmission and axle gear lubricants will turn dark within several thousand miles of service. This is a
normal process since one of the tasks of gear lubricants is to keep the gear parts clean. The dark coloration
comes from dispersed wear particles and reacted additives, which are typical for automotive power train
lubricants.
Will the amber color affect oil analysis?
The same type of oil analysis and laboratory methods may be used for the new products compared to the older
Roadranger ® approved SAE 50 lube. Because the formulation is different, it will have a different "elemental
fingerprint" than the older product.
Will the amber color have any affect on the packaging materials?
All automotive gear lubricants have a color. Some have color from the additives and base stock used. Some
have a dye added. All gear lubes will stain light colored (white, clear, tan) polyethylene containers under
extended storage conditions (greater than 1 year). Darker colored polyethylene containers (blue, black, gray)
do not show any staining. Special coatings for the light colored containers have been investigated to minimize
the staining from the amber SAE 50.
Will the amber SAE 50 gear lube stain, or harm, the trucks' finish?
Power train gear lubricants are not recommended for direct contact on painted body panels on cars or trucks.
The base stocks utilized can be corrosive to the polymer clear coat used in modern vehicles. The
Roadranger ® SAE 50 is no better or worse than other commercial transmission fluids for this aspect.
Can I mix the new Roadranger ® approved lube and the old Roadranger ® approved product?

https://evalue.internationaldelivers.com/service_kb/DocTool/ArticleViewer.aspx?ControlID... 5/5/2014

IK1300016 - New Synthetic Oil for Eaton and Spicer Transmissions

Page 4 of 5

The new Roadranger ® lubricant is fully compatible with the current Roadranger ® product. Because of the
color difference, any mixtures will appear as an intermittent color. Any top-off in an in-service transmission will
result in a black color due to the strong used oil coloration.
Can I top off with the new product when the old product is still within the drain interval?
The new product can be used for topping off an older filled transmission. If the recommended drain interval has
been exceeded, it is recommended to fully drain the unit prior to refilling with the new product.
Can I mix the Roadranger ® approved products with other brands?
Both the new and old Roadranger ® approved transmission products are compatible with most competitive
synthetic and petroleum based transmission lubricants. Mixing of products is not recommended, but the
industry realizes that some mixing will occur and have instituted compatibility testing to minimize any adverse
reaction.
Any mix will decrease your performance level depending on the level in which it is mixed.
Are there any special concerns when handling this product?
The Roadranger ® approved SAE 50 lube is a global commercialized product that contains no detrimental or
hazardous components.
How much of the old products can be left in the transmission without damaging the performance of the
new product?
The new Emgard 2979 SAE-50 lubricant is fully compatible with the old Emgard 2924 SAE-50 at any % or ratio.
At the end of the designated drain interval, the older product should be drained well, but no flushing or rinsing is
necessary when introducing the new product.
My trucks are older. Will the new Eaton ® -approved lube cause the seals to change and leak?
No, if you are currently using the older Eaton ® approved SAE 50 lube. The new Eaton ® -approved lube will
give the same or improved seal performance compared to the older product.
If you are using petroleum SAE 50, under high mileage conditions (greater than 150,000 miles), the introduction
of a synthetic gear lubricant can result in fluid leakage. This is because the petroleum based products tend to
harden and shrink seals causing them to assume a "set". The introduction of synthetic gear lube can then
cause irregular swelling and softening of the elastomer resulting in leakage. A mineral to synthetic change on
older / high mileage trucks require a seal / filter change.
Are there any differences I should be aware of in handling, or storing, between the old and the new
Roadranger ® approved lubricants?
The same precautions and handling conditions should be used with the new Roadranger ® SAE 50 lubes as
with the older Roadranger ® product and other commercial brands of SAE 50 transmission lube.
Question regarding warranty protection?
Warranty questions should be directed to the component OEM.
Further steps:
We are glad to service and update you as soon we have more information.
For marketing related questions, please contact:
Dan Horvath ­ Sr. Account Specialist
Phone#: 419-824-3056
E-mail: [email protected]
For general field related questions, please contact:

https://evalue.internationaldelivers.com/service_kb/DocTool/ArticleViewer.aspx?ControlID... 5/5/2014

IK1300016 - New Synthetic Oil for Eaton and Spicer Transmissions

Page 5 of 5

Cognis Technical Service
Steve Lakes ­ R&D
Phone#: 513-482-2298
E-mail: [email protected]
TSI Number: 06-13-03

Hide Details

Feedback Information
Viewed:

1276

Helpful:

186

Not Helpful: 400
No Feedback Found

Copyright © 2014 Navistar, Inc.

https://evalue.internationaldelivers.com/service_kb/DocTool/ArticleViewer.aspx?ControlID... 5/5/2014