Amsoil ATF Reformulation

[The Critic]

Amsoil ATF has been reformulated:

code:

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3/06 7/03



Vis @ 100C (cSt) 7.5 7.5

Vis @ 40C (cSt) 37.4 36.0

Viscosity Index 172 182

Noack Volatility (%) 10.1 10.8

Flash Point 224C 222C

Pour Point -52C -56C

4-Ball Wear Test 0.40mm 0.40mm

Brookfield Vis @ -20C 1342cP 1030cP

Brookfield Vis @ -40C 9621cP 7150cP

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Amsoil did recently, begin recommending its ATF for Esso LT71141 and various Mercedes specifications, but I was told by Technical Services that no reformulation was necessary in order to meet those specifications. Then again, they told me back in '03 that no reformulation had to take place for their ATF to meet Toyota T-IV and Honda ATF-Z1 specs either. Lo and behold, this month, I see that their ATF has been reformulated beginning in March 2006.

As for whether it is now "better" or "worse" than before, you'll have to be the judge.

[ April 13, 2006, 01:05 AM: Message edited by: The Critic ]

 

[Hammer]

I like the old specs better.

Hammer

 

[oilboy123]

Looks like a wash to me. Though I do wonder what was really changed with the formula?

 

[Chris Meutsch]

Yeah, what's different? Perhaps slightly thicker?
I guess my remaining 2 quarts from 2003 will NOT get used in the upcoming months for my 90k service on my Civic.

 

[Pablo]

Amsoil adjusts their ATF fairly frequently I have observed over the years.

Hammer - Why are the old specs better?

Ob123 - a very slight basestock or addpack carrier adjustment. An elemental analysis would be interesting, less a full spec. scan.

CM - the oil is fully compatible with your 2003 ATF.

 

[Mr Nice]

Is Amsoil ATF really a suitable replacement for the Honda ATF Z1 trans fluid ??

I have to change the fluid in an 01' Civic and the last thing I want is to damage the automatic trans in my mom's car.

 

[Hammer]

quote:

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Originally posted by Pablo:
Amsoil adjusts their ATF fairly frequently I have observed over the years.

Hammer - Why are the old specs better?

.

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\

I like it's cold flow characteristics better.


Hammer

 

[The Critic]

I’m *guessing* that Amsoil went with a thicker PAO basestock this time, with less VII perhaps, to reduce the amount of shearing that commonly occurs with ATF. Just a guess though.

For those who are now questioning the newer formulation, I wouldn’t worry about it. More than likely, Amsoil ATF, outflows the part-synthetic or mineral OEM ATFs by a healthy margin. No need for concern. And I doubt most of live in an area cold enough where the slightly better cold temp properties of the previous version would’ve made a noticeable difference.

I’ve many people on AcuraZine running Amsoil ATF on the post-recall 5-speed automatic transmissions with no shifting problems. They, along with “caremd99” on this forum, have also noticed that the fluid does not turn brown at all, which is a behavior of the Genuine Honda ATF-Z1, which often turns brown, dark brown, or even black in as little as 15K. A good number of the people who are using it in their Honda transmissions have experienced smoother shifting, but not all users, but certainly no one has experienced “worse” shifting with this fluid.

I personally, fwiw, would’ve no concerns with using Amsoil ATF in any application Amsoil recommends it for, given the positive experiences of others who have used it.

 

[Chris Meutsch]

LT4Vette, I have the same car and have been using that ATF for 46k with zero issues. Just do the tedious task of drain/fill/drive/drain/fill three times and you'll be fine.

 

[Craig]

I am using Amsoil ATF in my '93 LT1 Corvette auto trans
and also in my '04 Acura TL 5AT. Both cars seem quite
happy with the Amsoil.
Craig

 

[Steelers]

I question how much PAO is used in both Mobil 1 and Amsoil Synthetic ATF. The Mobil 1 website mentions synthesized hydrocarbon molecules. Are these two oils Group III or PAO? The specs on both are almost identical. I believe both are superior products when compared to traditional fluids and have used both over the last few years. Just curious about what we're getting for our money.

 

[G-MAN]

quote:

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Originally posted by Steelers:
The Mobil 1 website mentions synthesized hydrocarbon molecules.

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That's what PAO is: sythesized hydrocarbon.

 

[MolaKule]

Companies tweak their formulations all the time and they don't ask permission from their customers or prospective customers.

That's why they post these disclaimers or notices: "We reserve the right to make changes to our products without [public] notice."

Base oil supplies, additive supplies, and all kinds of additional factors influnce the minor modifications to formulations.

 

[OriginHacker21]

I just put the new Amsoil ATF in my 5spd 04 Sunfire and shifting is a lot easier. I have a post I just made about it. Really happy with this stuff. Really notice a difference in shifting (smoother, easier).