Amsoil ATF + LubeGard (color?)

dgpretzel · Oct 18, 2006

I have recently bought an '03 Chevy Astro Van with 29K miles. It replaces our '86 Astro, which recently got put out to pasture at 210K miles.

I keep vehicles for 10 - 20 years. No off-road or spirited driving at all.

Looking for long life and good gas mileage.

I am changing all the fluids to synthetics.

Putting in Amsoil ATF (flush, not just drain and refill). Wondering about adding Lubegard. Regarding Lubegard Red, I'm thinking, "Can't hurt, might help." Regarding Black or Platinum, I have no real clue. Not a car guy.

Any benefit to using an HMF supplement along with Amsoil ATF? Any downside? In the absence of any further knowledge, I'm planning on trying Red.

Remember, objectives are long life and good gas mileage.

Might anyone more knowledgeable than I have any comments?

Thank you.

Regards,

DG

JHZR2 · Oct 18, 2006

I put lubeguard red into my 98 Chevy S10 ZR2 - likely a near identical setup engine and trans-wise. Te trans has always been super smooth, like you cant tell its shifting... but something about it seemed even smoother! Granted, it may be the placebo effect...

One way or another, youll only want to use lubeguard red. the others will friction modify it too much - and the amsoil ATF is likely already modified much more than say, castrol ATF that is made from dino feedstocks.

If I were fully set on using a lubeguard product, Id either use it with a top-quality dino ATF, and suction some out to keep the adds replentiched (really the only reason that ATF needs to be replaced), or else pick a not-so-universal dex III ATF - perhaps mobil 1 or redline?

Something that is as universal as the amsoil product - as great as it may be, I would not try to modify further... Its likely a delicate balance to meet all the specs with one fluid.

JMH

The Critic · Oct 18, 2006

Red only, if any. Black and Plat. are for converting fluids. You do not need to convert Amsoil ATF as it already meets DEXRON IIIH specifications.

But consider this: the new DEXRON VI fluid is equal to, if not much better than many Dexron IIIH fluids. And the price is less too, and service life should be much longer.

dgpretzel · Oct 18, 2006

Thank you, both, for your helpful comments.

So, it's Red or none.

I already bought the Amsoil ATF, so DEXRON VI isn't in the cards this go-around.

That just leaves the Red or none decision.

If there's no reason to think there would be any adverse effect from the Amsoil + LubeGard Red combo, I'm inclined to try it. $13 isn't really a large factor. So, as I said in different words before, it appears to me to be a "heads I win; tails I don't lose" proposition.

Think I'll toss it in.

Thank you again for the comments.

DG

zrxkawboy · Oct 18, 2006

Quote:

(really the only reason that ATF needs to be replaced),

You don't think the base oil in ATF ever breaks down due to heat?!?

Jeff

Mike_dup1 · Oct 18, 2006

Quote:

Something that is as universal as the amsoil product - as great as it may be, I would not try to modify further... Its likely a delicate balance to meet all the specs with one fluid.

Good advice, take it.
They have not tested it with these additives and if you use them, you are doing the testing. If you use it, all you are doing is diluting the ATF and thus reducing the expected performance of the synthetic ATF, weather LC is a good product or not is beside the point.

JHZR2 · Oct 18, 2006

Quote:

Quote:

(really the only reason that ATF needs to be replaced),

Click to expand...

You don't think the base oil in ATF ever breaks down due to heat?!?

Jeff

I am sure that it does, but not in the same manner as motor oil.

While I see the truth in needing every bit of cooling for the trans, as possible, I also venture to think that given that most AT systems have an oil to water cooler, etc., that cooling is OK for the most part (obviously it does not apply if youre towing/hauling, etc.).

For a conventional ATF, routine replacement of a portion of the fluid, in addition to a pan drop/flter replacement at some typical interval is the way to go. If the fluid is breaking, OK but some is being replentished, and more importantly, the additives are being brought back to normal level.

JMH

TooSlick · Oct 18, 2006

1) The Amsoil universal synthetic ATF works fine in Dexron III applications all by itself

2) Dumping in a supplimental additive voids the performance warranty on the product - even if you aren't running extended service intervals.

TS

Pablo · Oct 18, 2006

I wouldn't spend the extra money on the Lubegard. It's just not necessary.

unDummy · Oct 19, 2006

There is no need for lubegard when using a boutique synthetic ATF. If you want to use it, stick with the red.

If the ATF is original 3 years 30k miles, you might want to consider a flush with a cheap DexronIII(+ any lubegard) for a few thousand miles prior to switching to Amsoil. And, definitely drop and clean the pan, change the ATF filter....prior to investing in Amsoil.

Since you're in Alaska, Mobil 1 ATF and Redline D4 have better cold flow properties.

If the objective is long life, any synthetic ATF is an excellent starting point. A good aftermarket ATF filter(B&M, Transdapt, Permacool, Magnefine) should also be considered.
Learning your transmissions weaknesses and seeing if any have been addressed by the aftermarket(VB mod, shift kit, TSB) is something you should consider.

And, above all, a synthetic doesn't automatically mean never maintain the transmission again. It'll still need time or mileage based flush intervals.

dgpretzel · Oct 19, 2006

Thank you all, once again.

Quote:

Since you're in Alaska, Mobil 1 ATF and Redline D4 have better cold flow properties.

I didn't realize that, thanks for the info. I already bought the Amsoil. Cold flow properties are probably not too much of a factor because, although we did live in the interior for 15 years (where it can get -60 F), we are now in the lush, tropical part of Alaska (Southeastern panhandle) where it almost never gets below 0 F.

Thank you for your other comments.

Taking a deep breath, (and admitting my total ignorance regarding car stuff), I have to ask what are "VB mod", "shift kit", and "TSB"?

I think I do get the external ATF filter thing.

Regards,

DG

dgpretzel · Oct 20, 2006

Quote:

If the ATF is original 3 years 30k miles, you might want to consider a flush with a cheap DexronIII(+ any lubegard) for a few thousand miles prior to switching to Amsoil.

Is this something that is just a thing I should do (based on mileage and/or age), or is there some observation I should make to determine whether or not to do it?

Thank you.

DG

Dick in Falls Church · Oct 20, 2006

Just change the fluid. At 30K, no need to flush (unless the existing ATF is really brown or black, which it likely isn't).

unDummy · Oct 20, 2006

If the ATF looks or smells burnt, or if there is buildup(varnish sludge or crud) on the inside of the ATF pan, I'd recommend the cheap Dexron fluid+lubegard rinse.
If the fluid is red, like what comes out of a new bottle, and there is no varnish buildup in the pan, swap in the Amsoil.

There are upgrades to just bout every transmission.
A TSB is a technical service bulletin that the manufacturer produces. It could have info on software or hardware updates to the vehicle. Dealer or any shop with alldata/mitchell should be able to research year/model for applicable TSB(some might address other vehicle issues like leaky intake manifold gaskets).
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/

A VB or shift kit, is an aftermarket solution to known valve body issues. Usually they improve weaknesses inherent in the MFGs transmission.
For example:
http://www.transgo.com/sk_generalmtrs.php
http://www.transgo.com/rpg_generalmtr.php
http://www.drivetrain.com/transgoshiftkits.html

Amsoil ATF + LubeGard (color?)

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