What's in gear oil?

[love machine]

I hate transmission oil, it's foul and I managed to comprehensively soak myself in it today. Whatever it is which causes that burning/piss/acrid smell/taste I'm curious about it. Judging by the smell/taste it's volatile and quite reactive.

What made me post this querie was that when I jumped in the shower afterwards and thoroughly soaped myself down with shower gel stuff, the 2 mixtures reacted and liberated AMMONIA!!!!! That's right!, there I am taking a shower with smelling salts.

I've got no idea what it is, but it's horrible stuff and as a chemist, I'd like to find out more about the chemical responsible.

Stu

[Pigeon]

From the smell of the old oil I'd guess it's some kind of nitrogen heterocycle, but that's as far as I can go. Since the new oil doesn't have that smell I presume it's the decomposition product of something rather less volatile. Some kind of film strength improver perhaps? Opieoilman, this one's for you...

[opieoilman]

In brief, the following but I have tech data sheets and safety data sheet that give more detail.

Functional additive pack 3 - 6%; VII 0 - 30%; Base oil - balance.

VII only present if significant multigrade characteristics are required, not necessary for 80W-90, 85W-90 and 85W-140 multigrades. Additive pack includes sulphur - phosphorus compounds for antiwear and load carrying. Corrosion inhibitors and antifoam agents will also be present

Hope this helps
Cheers
Simon

[love machine]

Can't remember the smells of nitrogen heterocycles. Whatever it is, it's a component of the oil and not a breakdown product. It's also in all EP80's not just some. I was wondering about molybdenum disulphide. I figure that could also be a potential source.

It's evil stuff either way.