Has anyone experimented with different brands of tranny fluid? I've got an auto and was planning on changing the fluid to a synthetic. What brand do you recommend? Does it really make a difference?

 

anyone out there

 

I just changed mine to Mobil 1 synthetic. some may recommmend Redline

 

I have run Mobil 1 synthetic ATF for my last 2 changes (about 35K miles between them). I had the ATF tested by Blackstone labs and it was "perfect." I would recommend it! I also get better gas mileage (I get 34 mpg highway now-consistently) and better shifting in the winter here in the frozen tundra (I live in Minnesota).

If you change make sure to get several extra quarts. Your car takes about 8 qts capacity. I run 12+ through a flush machine. Assuming you're going to got get someone with a total flush machine to make the switch - make sure to call ahead or stop in. Usually they keep their machine loaded up with standard "house" ATF so it's ready to go when a customer comes in. They have to unload it and then put the Mobil 1 in a clean bucket to load it. It's extra effort for them and I have found some (but not most) shops are not willing to do it.

Also, I have always been able to get a discount from their standard price since I'm not using their fluid. Usually about $10-15 off.

Hope that helps...

 

<eagerly awaits e-mail of Oil Analysis worksheet with your numbers to put it with the rest of them>

 

If you're going to change your tranny fluid to synthetic, do the complete flush! The capacity is like 8 quarts, but when you passively drain, only about 2.8 to 3 quarts come out. I did this to my previous Maxima and shortly after, the transmission took a dump on me.

 

how hard is it to remove the tranny fluid from a 5 speed and fill it with redline mt-90? i dont think the tranny fluid has been changed (its got 146K) so should i do a few quarts at a time to slowly introduce the new fluid or not even bother? i'm real short on cash for the moment so i'm trying to do as much myself as possible.
thanks

 

That's my philosophy, do a little at a time to introduce the new fluid. I'm not sure the techniques in draining 5 speed fluid though.

 

for MTL just do the entire flush. Redline MTL or MT-90 (or which ever works in your tranny) is highly recommended.

i've used mobil1, redline, and amsoil ATF.
mobil1 - shifts were a little harder..dunno if that's good or not.
redline - more stable shifts at higher temps.
amsoil - currently running that now. works great IMO.

so basically it's your choice. all syn works well. redline and amsoil are slightly better than mobil1 IMO.

 

ok, where is the plug and fill holes on my tranny..its a 92 SE 5 speed. i'm probably gonna do 2 quarts at a time leaving each "set" in for a week each. i dont want it to leak, afterall, its got 146K
thanks for all your help this far.

 

Bill,
I had sent you the oil numbers a LONG time ago. I believe I posted them. E-mail me if you can't find the post.

Also, since that time I had my ATF tested on both my Maxima and truck. Info below:

I changed the truck filter at 10K and ATF fluid (pan drop). I figured this got out the mfg related crude. I now have just under 50K and just did a machine flush (no filter change). I swiched from Dino Dextron III and put in Mobil 1 ATF as part of the flush.

I also took a sample and sent if off to Blackstone for analysis. This fluid had about 37-38K on it. It's a 99 K2500 (4L80E/7.4L). I do tow in summer months. Report info below:

"Copper and lead were found in this sample, comparing to the levels for iron and aluminum. Sometimes they use lead marking compounds at the factory for checking gear patterns and the lead we find in the oil is factory residue. The copper isn't though, and it may show a mechanical problem at bronze parts or clutch discs. Insolubles were high as well and may show this ATF has been more than a normal amount of heat. Suggest changing this ATF out."

At the same time I flushed my Maxima. I had done a prior switch to Mobil 1 synthetic and had run this fluid about 30K miles. I do some light towing with the Maxima. Blackstone report on the Max:

"Wear was excellent in this fluid after having been used for about 30K miles. The universal averages are based on 10K to 15K miles use interval and comparing to those wear levels, we have no problem to report. No insolubles were prsent, which indicates that this fluid has not been exposed to excessive heat. If this ATF is still in place, suggest leaving it for 10K more miles. Else feel free to run at least 35K-40K miles."

 

Bill, I posted the information on 4/26/01.

Link is:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....438#post273438

 

First, you are recommending a complete flush. Then you state it is better to introduce the new fluid a little at a time (drain & refill).

Bryan, what exactly is your Philosophy?

 

Wow....I never saw that...Thanks for pointing me to that post!

Tick Tock,

For reference, could you give me a general description of your driving habits?(i.e. miles/year, type [highway, stop and go, etc.]

In addition do you have the numbers for the ATF. I just took a sample from mine and will be getting results in the next 10 days after 4k on Amsoil (just point of reference to see how effective the drain 'n fill process is).

 

Bill, the "COMMENTS" from my report are in my earlier post in this thread. The ATF numbers are:

Miles/Sample Date 5/15
73,000 miles
Oil Use Interval (mile) 27,000

Oil Brand/Grade Mobil 1 ATF(1st #) Universal Avgs (2nd #)
----- --------------
Aluminum 7 27
Chromium 0 1
Iron 37 208
Copper 34 63
Lead 1 12
Tin 2 5
Molybdenum 0 0
Nickel 0 0
Manganese 1 2
Silver 0 0
Titanium 0 0
Vanadium 0 0
Boron 62 19
Silicon 5 27
Sodium 8 10
Calcium 191 54
Magnesium 1 4
Phosphorus 226 311
Zinc 11 30
Barium 1 13

SUS VISC @210F 46.5
FLASHPOINT 365
FUEL % n/a
ANTIFREEZE n/a
WATER 0%
INSOLUBLES 0.0%

Drive about 10-12K per year. Mostly city stop/go (commute 34 miles RT) some highway and some light towing in the summer months (utility trailer, small boat, etc. all <=1,000 lbs)
send me e-mail if you need more info.

http://www.blackstonelabs.com