Amsoil vs. Redline MTF/MTL

Status
Not open for further replies.
T

Tempest

Joined
Mar 21, 2006
Messages
10,610
Location
Las Vegas NV
I was just wondering if anyone can comment or has experiance with both of the different lubes. This is for a 99' Ranger manual that spec's ATF. I was going to go with Amsoil but I noticed that it does not carry a GL-4 package, where as the Redline does. The Redline is a little thicker as well, but should be OK being a GRP V for cold temps.

Not sure which to go with, and I don't recall seeing a head to head comparison before. Thanks.

Redline MTL
Amsoil MTF
 
I am very satisfied using RL MTL in ZF Ford manuals.

RL MT-90 is in my Toyota.

I believe strongly in RL's ester chemistry in gear boxes, as well as engines. Quiet, excellent cold & hot performance and gear protection. Never had a leak - those transmissions are all dry.
 
Tempest,

The Amsoil MTF is speced closer in viscosity than the Redline MTL, so try the MTF first. Amsoil MTF is still a bit thicker than ATF.
 
In my experience, either would be a good choice. Amsoil does seem to be a little better, but that could be a driver preference too.

steved
 
I actually have Amsoil ATF in there right now. I just would like to have something slightly thicker for gear/bearing protection, especially in the heat here. I have a used oil analysis on the fluid due soon.

Keep the ideas comming!

ETA: Why would the Amsoil not have a GL-4 package included?
 
Last edited:
Amsoil does not mark GL-4 on MTF, because that's not what a "Synchromesh" fluid is supposed to have on paper. It does this to avoid confusion with MTG (a well as the reason for calling it 5w30). Does MTF have the additives to provide GL-4 protection? YES. (just as Redline MTL does)
 
Alright Pablo, looks like you've made up my mind. I was leaning heavily toward the Amsoil for the Vis. reasons that Mola pointed to anyway. It would be nice to see some documentation to the GL-4 rating though as this is what put me on the fence. I should have some left over, maybe I'll do a VOA?
 
This should be interesting:
TeeDub wrote in another thread:
Quote:

NV5600 transmissions use the 5w30, Amsoil MTF fluid, which does not contain extreme pressure additives, ie sulfur/phosphorus compounds.

Click to expand...


Any ideas?
dunno.gif
 
I should have stated the first part of his post for reference:
Quote:

NV4500 transmissions use the 75w-90, GL-4 rated Amsoil transmission fluid

Click to expand...


He specificaly mentioned GL-4 here, but not for the MTF? That is what I was trying to point out and it made me
confused.gif
.

This comes from the M1 gear lube thread below.
 
I see no reason to change from the Amsoil ATF in this application. Almost all FWD vehicles with automatic transmissions also use ATF to lubricate the gears in their final drives. About the only exceptions are vehicles with longitudinal mounted engines (like Audis), that use hypoid gears in their final drives and require a GL-5 type, extreme pressure lube.

The Mercon V ATF spec for example (which the Amsoil ATF exceeds), requires the following bench tests to evaluate gear wear under controlled conditions:

1) Shell Four Ball wear test
2) Falex V-Block test
3) FZG Gear test

TD
 
Thanks for the advise TeeDub.

Do you have any info as to if MTF is GL4?

Is there a reason NOT to use a GL4 lubricant?

The Redline D4 does carry a GL-4 rating...it looks very interesting if staying with ATF. Or perhaps a D4/MTL mix...

ETA: The main reason I am looking for a thicker fluid is sheer. Most automatics have 10+ quarts of fluid to work with. This manual takes all of 2.5 quarts so it is beat up quite a bit more. Combine this with 115F ambient and 180F pavement just inches away from the transmission, and a more robust fluid is preferred.
 
Last edited:
I'll need to get a VOA run on MTF to see the additive package, to prove that it has GL-4 level additives. (Or at least what we think are GL-4 level additives)

Tempest - if your transmission calls out for ATF, and you want to go thicker - MTF will work AND protect better (than ATF), especially in Las Vegas.
 
I'll get a VOA done in a little while when I get the fluid. I just dumped the old fluid this weekend and started an ARX treatment with Castrol dino. So in ~1k I'll need the new stuff. I will probably order the MTF next week, and get a VOA. Does OAI do VOA's?
 
If you require ATF for your MT, then ANY synthetic ATF is a worthy upgrade.

Other options are the ATF substitutes for MTs. RoyalPurple SynchroMax and Torco MTF/MTF-L are ~7cst fluids.

If the climate is warm, then cold weather performance isn't an issue. Pennzoil/Texaco synchromeshes are a good choice and a little thicker ~9cst.

Another choice is the racing or highmileage Dexron/Mercon ATFs. Pennzoil/Quaker State High Mileage ATF is 8.5cst. Some of the racing or hightemp ATFs are in the 9-10cst.

Then there are the MTLs/MTFs. Weather permitting, the Redline MTL, Amsoil MTF, BG synchroshift II Torco MTF-R.....are excellent choices.

I also wouldn't worry about GL ratings on an ATF or ATF subsitutes used in manuals. Go a little thicker for more protection if climate allows.
 
I just wanted to update and say that I have had the Amsoil MTF in my transmission for a week now and am very pleased. Shifting is sweet, much better than the Castrol ATF I had in durring the ARX cycle. Seems very smooth while driving as well.

I'll skip the VOA since someone posted a used oil analysis in that forum.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

C
  • Locked
AMSOIL MTF or Synthetic Gear Lube SAE 75W-90
2 3
Replies
43
Views
28K
chiks
MolaKule
Updated List of Dedicated MTF Fluids
2 3
Replies
43
Views
22K
chris719
MolaKule
  • Locked
Updated List of MTF's (both GL-4 and GL-5)
2
Replies
35
Views
20K
Ruturaj
M
  • Locked
Amsoil MTF
Replies
3
Views
2K
Greaser
MolaKule
  • Locked
Manual Transmission Fluids and their viscosities
2
Replies
35
Views
38K
dailydriver
Back
Top Bottom