Amsoil ATF w/ Lubeguard Black?

[Blokey]

For years I’ve maintained that the only ATF I would ever use in my ’00 Acura 3.2TL is Honda ATF-Z1.

OK, after reading the many posts here about Honda owners using Amsoil ATF in their late model, ATF- Z1 spec’ed Honda transaxles with good results, I’ve finally decided to try Amsoil ATF in my car.

My concern is that Amsoil ATF is a universal fluid, meeting D III as well as Honda Z1 spec., in addition to several other specs. I’m wondering if it just barely has enough FMs to meet Z1 spec and therefore would it be a good idea to ensure it’s FMed enough by adding 1 oz. Lubeguard Black to 3 qts Amsoil ATF (3 qts is the volume of ATF that comes out of my trans when the drain plug is removed). From my understanding, Lubeguard Black is normally added at a rate of 1 oz. per 1 quart of D III in order to increase its FM to Z1 spec.

I was planning on getting a case of ATF and d&f’ing the trans 4x with the next 4 oil changes in order to achieve a near complete change over to synthetic ATF.

I welcome your comments on my plan.

 

[Pablo]

While I don't think it will hurt a thing - the Lubegard Blck is not really necessary.

I say go for it - but how will you know if the Lubegard is buying you anything? I never noticed any shift difference with Amsoil ATF neat in the 2006 Ody, so......

 

[ccs v2.0]

I don't see anything wrong with it. I did a four drain and fill process on our 5 speed Odyssey at one time (Maxlife) and only added the LG to the final fill. However, I added less LG than recommended since I did not want to over do the FMs. I ended up adding only 5 oz. to the final fill (the total capacity is 8.3 qts.) and the shifts are as good as with Z1.

 

[ConfederateTyrant]

There's no need to use the additive, as the Amsoil ATF is blended to perform in Honda Z-1 applications without additional additives. I can see the Lubeguard being necessary when using the cheapest Dexron III/Mercon, but not a fully synthetic that is blended and tested to meet multiple applications.

You won't cause any harm by using it, but as Pablo said, it's not necessary.

 

[Mike_dup1]

Most all manufactures recommend against the use of additives with their products. To me its like mixing prescription drugs, can be very risky.

You are doing the testing with these, the mfg has not tested compatibility with LC for sure.

 

[unDummy]

There is no risk with using lubegard. But, with the Amsoil ATF, there is no need for it.
If you're unhappy with the shift quality of Amsoil, feel free to dose the lubegard. If the Amsoil shift quality is good, don't bother.
Put the money toward ATF filtration and cooling!

 

[Dick in Falls Church]

Well, put it this way. AMSOIL says using an additive is not recommended.
Suppose you change the fluid, and the transmission crunches. The dealer says it is because you didn't buy the oil from him.
AMSOIL wants a sample. The sample shows teflon, banana peel, and other extraneous material. AMSOIL says--Oops, you don't have AMSOIL in there. Now what?

Yeah, sure, yours is out of warranty, so it isn't a problem.

 

[Blokey]

Thanks for the replies. I ordered a case of ATF. I'll try the ATF by itself with my first d&f when I do my next oil change in the next month or so. I also found out where the closest NAPA store to me is, just in case

 

[KBFXDLI]

Quote:

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Most all manufactures recommend against the use of additives with their products. To me its like mixing prescription drugs, can be very risky.

---

I disagree as I have had some really great experiences mixing prescription drugs & alcohol.....

 

[Spector]

Been mixing Amsoil ATF with Lubeguard red (approx 1 oz per quart) for years and bever have had an issue.

 

[Blokey]

May I ask what car/transmission? What's LG red supposed to do that LG black doesn't? Thanks!

 

[Chris Meutsch]

Amsoil in the Honda transmissions is about as good as it gets. Don't sweat the LG.

 

[The Critic]

Amsoil ATF is already formulated to be Z1 compatible. The ten or fifteen users we have using Amsoil ATF over on AcuraZine, actually, perhaps a bit more, have had 0 issues with shift quality while running that fluid.

Shifts may become too soft if you use Lubegard Black with Amsoil ATF.

 

[TeeDub]

Adding anything to the Amsoil ATF voids their warranty on the fluid and is a terrible idea. It will work just fine without adding the lubegard black to it.

TD

 

[Pablo]

IF he was adding a whole bottle I would have said: NO WAY!

But 1 oz per 3 qts isn't a "terrible idea".

I do agree - the Amsoil warranty will not support his efforts, but I think he knew that already. Again, the Amsoil ATF will work fine by itself as we are all saying.