How long before a complete transmission oil change? approx. mileage? Thanks
Amsoil Transmission Oil
- Thread starter Forbesk
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As a rule, synthetic fluids should 'last' longer than non-synthetic fluids in a transmission/transaxle. However, there is a lot of debate and very little good information about specific applications of specific oils, and next to no UOA's available.
Operating environment, individual driving style, and other factors play a significant role in the overall lifespan of ATF.
For example, my owners manual for a 4T60 transaxle recommends:
"For automatic transaxles, change both the fluid and filter every 15,000 miles if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outisde temperature regularly reaches 32C or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police car, or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change both the fluid and filter every 100,000 miles."
I personally believe that you could reasonably extend the service interval with synth ATF under the 'severe service' conditions, but I would not exceed the normal service conditions on account of using a synth ATF. The 'severe service' conditions deal with the issue of thermally-induced viscosity breakdown, something that synth ATF is uniquely useful, whereas the normal-service ATF change specification deals with accumulation of wear metals and overall detergency requirements. A synth ATF will not significantly perform better in these regards.
I think there are some useful benefits for running synthetic ATF in extremely cold weather as well.
Operating environment, individual driving style, and other factors play a significant role in the overall lifespan of ATF.
For example, my owners manual for a 4T60 transaxle recommends:
"For automatic transaxles, change both the fluid and filter every 15,000 miles if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outisde temperature regularly reaches 32C or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police car, or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, change both the fluid and filter every 100,000 miles."
I personally believe that you could reasonably extend the service interval with synth ATF under the 'severe service' conditions, but I would not exceed the normal service conditions on account of using a synth ATF. The 'severe service' conditions deal with the issue of thermally-induced viscosity breakdown, something that synth ATF is uniquely useful, whereas the normal-service ATF change specification deals with accumulation of wear metals and overall detergency requirements. A synth ATF will not significantly perform better in these regards.
I think there are some useful benefits for running synthetic ATF in extremely cold weather as well.
Thanks Pitzel, I will follow your recommendation.
Recommendation? I didn't actually make one
Seriously though, what transmission do you run, with what engine, and what does your manual say to do insofar as maintenance is concerned? And how much does your pattern of operations fall into the categories as presented above?
Seriously though, what transmission do you run, with what engine, and what does your manual say to do insofar as maintenance is concerned? And how much does your pattern of operations fall into the categories as presented above?
I presume you are talking about an automatic.
I have run AMSOIL synthetic ATF in quite a few cars since it came on the market. Hardest use was probably in my old Dodge van-motorhome. Overloaded about half the time (hauling oil).
Ran it about 100,000 miles without change. Oil sample showed copper above normal by one or 2 ppm, based on a 15,000 mile check.
In the other applications, I have yet to change it. Did have a daughter run her Saab very low, and ATF turned quite dark. Lab said "suitable for continued use", but it took about 3 qts to fill it to normal.
For normal use in passenger application, will easily go 3 times the factory recommendation-if you change it all. If that gives you heartburn, plan to change what you can get out of the pan about every 45-50,000 miles.
If you're driving a work van which is heavily loaded, you might want to service it a bit more often.
I have run AMSOIL synthetic ATF in quite a few cars since it came on the market. Hardest use was probably in my old Dodge van-motorhome. Overloaded about half the time (hauling oil).
Ran it about 100,000 miles without change. Oil sample showed copper above normal by one or 2 ppm, based on a 15,000 mile check.
In the other applications, I have yet to change it. Did have a daughter run her Saab very low, and ATF turned quite dark. Lab said "suitable for continued use", but it took about 3 qts to fill it to normal.
For normal use in passenger application, will easily go 3 times the factory recommendation-if you change it all. If that gives you heartburn, plan to change what you can get out of the pan about every 45-50,000 miles.
If you're driving a work van which is heavily loaded, you might want to service it a bit more often.
Oh My God!! I live right across the freeway from you Forbesk!
I'm in Menifee, PM me and I'll give you the name of a great tranny service guy if you need one. Also you can buy Amsoil ATF on the shelve at the Wilderness lakes campground if you know where that is.
Have a good one!
I'm in Menifee, PM me and I'll give you the name of a great tranny service guy if you need one. Also you can buy Amsoil ATF on the shelve at the Wilderness lakes campground if you know where that is.
Have a good one!
Thanks for the reply Frank. Yes I do know where Wilderness CG is and yes I would appreciate the name of a good tranny mechanic. I have put a little over 15000 miles on my motorhome in the last 1 1/2 years. Xcountry to Mass. this past summer 6,400 mi. no problems at all. Have Amsoil in there now and it runs very smoothly. Always have to be ready for preventative maintenance. Thanks and have a great New Year.
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