View Full Version : synthetic transmission fluid?
MarkO
03-12-2002, 10:09 AM
Almost due for an automatic trans. fluid change and transfer cases fluid change on my truck.
Thinking of using synthetics, What are the pros/cons of the synthetics and what is a good name brand?
Thanks, Mark
Rog T.
03-12-2002, 10:51 AM
Amsoil only! The leader in synthetic oils. I have used them for 20 years and 0 problems.
Fishoil
03-12-2002, 11:37 AM
Unless you are working your transmission extra hard, racing, pulling, etc., save your money and use conventional fluids. Have the transmission fluid changed out by a shop with a flush machine to assure a complete changeout. The transfer case usually has a drain plug, anyone can handle it. Be sure of the correct fluid in the TC, some take specialty fluids (possibly even a synthetic). Take the money you saved by not using synthetic ATF and buy some new cranks, you'll get a lot more benefit out of them.
If you have any more oil questions just ask. I work with the stuff everyday, hence the name fishOIL.
as Rog said ames oil only, i use it in everything including my boat motors no problems at all, i also work with the stuff daily and have never in 26 years had an auto be it truck or car come back for any engine or trans failure that had to do with the oil, the only peice of advice i,ll add is the same as the other post, make sure the system is flushed right and the job done right, good luck, PS as far as costs go it will balance out in the end.
Tom}>
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Airwave(OH)
03-12-2002, 02:29 PM
AMSOIL PERIOD !!!!
35,000+ for a new truck---AMSOIL--- Don't forget the crankcase, axel fluids, & grease blocks. Started using it 15 years ago & never regretted it. Get a high performance air & oil filter also, it does make a difference.
Joe
Fishoil
03-12-2002, 03:20 PM
Tom, You say the costs even out in the end. I'm curious, how much more would it cost a person to flush a transmission with Amsoil ATF vs. conventional ATF? And how would a person recoup this extra cost to make things even out in the end? Also does the Amsoil have approval for Dexron IIIE, Mercon V, and is it licensed by Chrysler to be used in applications requiring Chrysler spec. #7176 which includes most Chrysler cars,trucks, and SUVs?
Fishoil
when i talking about costs i was thinking more about motor oil ( sorry ) if you change your oil every 3 thousand miles at $20 a pop which is the average where i live 5 oil ghanges would cost $100 amsoil is good for 25,000 miles at a price of about $46.00 a pop plus filter so say $50 to $52 total, throw in a few more filters in between and your still under $75.00, right now i run 2 Dodge rams 1 a 1500 series extended cab and the other a 2500 series both are plow trucks and take some real abuse 1 is a 1998 the other a 1999 i also run it in a 1999 ford, ( oil and trans fluid ) i,m getting better gas milage out of all 3 trucks another small savings, is it licensed by chrysler not that i,m aware of, will it void your warranty if you switch over to it in your brand new truck NO, if your concerned it will hurt your truck call the manufacture and ask if useing amsoil will void any warranties they will tell you IT DOSN,T, i also use it in all the differentials, i,m not pushing the stuff i was just offering my 02 cents worth to someone who asked for an opinion on it
Tom}>
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sorry i forgot about the 1997 Tahoe that i run all amsoil in also.
Tom}>
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Gone Again
03-12-2002, 06:15 PM
Amsoil meets all those specs.
Troller Mark
03-12-2002, 06:15 PM
Just switch over to Amsoil, and can tell the difference in gas milage on the 2nd tank. I plan to take it to a certified transmission mechanic and have him flush it and replace the ATF with Amsoil.
Fishoil
03-13-2002, 09:38 AM
If you are referring to the ATF, I would recommend you do a little more checking before you bet your transmission on it.
Fishoil
03-13-2002, 09:55 AM
You are correct in saying that the motor oil will not void your warranty. However I think you may be missing a couple things when you calculate your cost savings. When you change that filter every 3,000 miles you also have to add an additional quart or so of oil to replace what was in the filter when you threw it away. Now, what was the point of replacing that filter? Because it was becoming clogged with contaminates, which are natural byproducts of the combustion process. The filter is designed to remove solids down to a few microns in diameter which the oil holds in suspension. What about all of the smaller particles and dissolved particles that would normally be drained out with the oil at the regular drain interval?
In addition, you should be concerned with the acidity of the oil, it increases as it becomes contaminated from combustion byproducts. These same byproducts produce sludge in your crankcase which also is drained out with the used oil.
I agree that Amsoil makes a great oil, I do not agree with running it 25,000 miles. The oil will hold up and not break down (any good synthetic will), but it still becomes contaminated and needs to be drained.
Sorry about the sermon, but I deal with this subject on a daily basis. My shops service over 50,000 cars and trucks every year,and we carry synthetics too. But most people will realize very little, if any, benefit from using them.
Fishoil
03-13-2002, 10:29 AM
Joe, be careful about the high perf. air filter, if it's designed to increase airflow, it may allow more contaminants to flow through also. If it's designed to filter out smaller particles, it must have more filtering media to maintain airflow. If it doesn't, it may affect engine performance and mileage adversely. As far as the high perf. oil filters, they are generally a good thing, although they cost signicantly more. They are designed to filter out smaller particles than a standard oil filter. The tradeoff in doing that is they will "plug up" faster than a standard filter. If you change it regularly (3,000 miles), this won't be a concern.
120,000 miles---0 problems with clogups. Yes you do have to be sure to clean the air filter it does trap alot of dirt. I also consider a oil pressure gauge a necessity on a vehicle.
Joe
EsoxProSport
03-13-2002, 09:54 PM
AS a Drag Racer (not professional) I have seen and read this debate several times.. Several Trans Guys I know DO NOT Suggest using Synthetic ATF. There reasoning was explained to me that SYnthetic Does have great Lubricating Properties but This Excessive Lubrication often causes some clutch slippage in Automatics resulting in loss of a crisp/firm shift. This only makes the can slower as it is slipping. Now think of pulling a trailer.. with more slippage. Not Good.
fishman
03-13-2002, 10:15 PM
fishoil take a look at amsoils web site www.amsoil.com you will find out it meets all requirements for all vehicles and the air filter is an oiled type that you can wash as much as needed
What kind of truck do you drive? I know that the new GMC's have synthetic oil in the rear diff and the t-case. Personally I never use synthetics. Change your fluids religiosly and you won't have a problem. I sold my 94 GMC with 173,000 miles on it and it had the original motor, trans, diffs. It also towed a horse trailer and boat all it's life. Synthetics won't break down like conventional oils but you still need to change them to get the contaminents out.
Fishoil
03-14-2002, 08:48 AM
Thanks for the link, there's some interesting info. there. They recommend their ATF for use in ATF+3 and +4 applications, however, I can't find any mention of them having the proper licensing from Chrysler. I have no doubt that the fluid will work in that application, but there could be a problem if there were warranty issues involving the transmission. One of my suppliers is doing the final testing on a new ATF product which will meet all of the specs. I mentioned earlier, but they will have the same problem with the licensing. GM and Ford only require that you meet the specs. that they provide, whereas Chrysler requires that the fluid be licensed. Since Chrysler is the one who does the licensing, it doesn't happen to quickly or very often.