Any reason to not use Maxlife ATF and Lubrgard in Honda?

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I did the research. I don't see all the members that have issues with the 'one fluid solves all" ATFs. Most have other variables and issues prior to the introduction of the multivehicle universal ATFs.

I do put Mercon-V in GM tranmissions all the time. No issues here! All the MerconV's that I've purchased were labelled backwards compatible with previous Dexron and Mercon specs.

Some additives are for smooth shifting. That can be had with any HFM fluid or converter. Some of the other additives are for 'super long life'..... which has already proven to be a farce with all number off transmission failures with these so-called low/no maintenance transmissions.

As long you plan on practicing normal ATF change intervals, enjoy those multivehicle fluids and fluid converters.
 
I dread the day I purchase a car that has anything labeled fluid for life. It's going to happen though.
 
Our 1998 CRV came used w/ 85 and no tranny services. I used Z1 for a few changes, but price went up and I don't have a lot of confidence in it being a top-notch fluid. Now I use 2q MaxLife and 1q of Mobil 1 for a 50% change-out every year. It shifts great. In hindsight or if someone else buys a used Honda auto with some miles on it, I'd say just use ST Dexron for a bunch of flushes and then start adding the premium fluid.
 
Which version of Maxlife are you guys talking about? I only see Maxlife DexIII and Maxlife ATF + Stop Leak. I do see that they have a regular Mercon V, but it's not Maxlife.

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quote:
Originally posted by Schmoe:
Well...duh...it's a rebuilt Aamco transmission, using their parts and their stuff, not Honda factory parts. If you'd go back and research some of these topics, a lot of members have issues with the "one fluid solves all" type of ATF. Would YOU be comfortable with that? I mean the additives is the whole point with ATF. You wouldn't dare put a Mercon V in a GM transmission, now would you????
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If that was the case, rebuilders would stock one type of fluid (Dexron) and call it a day, right?

Wrong. Most rebuilds use parts that meet/exceed OEM specifications and will not change the fluid requirement, of course performance rebuilds are an exception.

I don't know about your "lots of members" having problems with multi-vehicle ATFs. Perhaps rumors?

Look. Oil Change shops use multi-vehicle ATFs on a daily basis. Pennzoil's product is one the most popular, and has been on the market for over two years now. Go ask your favorite Jiffy Lube as to how many "returns" they've had. Problems may exist, but are extremely rare.

Also, there's no such thing as a complete Universal fluid. I haven't seen a Universal fluid cover Type F. However, many fluids come close to covering nearly every application through the usage of "selective friction modifiers." The technology is certainly possible, but if you choose not to believe, then don't use it.

And I would have no issues putting Mercon-V in my GM tranny if it was dual-rated for Dex IIIH.

quote:
Originally posted by Schmoe:
I dread the day I purchase a car that has anything labeled fluid for life. It's going to happen though.
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Well, I look forward to that day. There are many cars that are already like that, and it's a change for the better. Think of the many owners who don't change their fluids.

quote:
Originally posted by Auto-Union:
In hindsight or if someone else buys a used Honda auto with some miles on it, I'd say just use ST Dexron for a bunch of flushes and then start adding the premium fluid.
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You'll have quite firm shifts while flushing a Honda auto with Dex III.
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I think a better way to accomplish this would be to add Auto-RX at the recommended dosage and follow the instructions.
 
Meh, I'm talking about driving for a few days on Dex. I suspect the difference would not even be noticable. With my CRV, I had a lot of gook on the drain plug, a lil extra flushing would have only done good.
 
The difference is definitely noticeable. The users who run RL ATF in their Honda units with just one 40% drain/fill notice significantly harsher shifting.

If you're going to "flush," why not do multiple drain/fills spaced several thousand miles apart, using the correct fluid? Or, just use Auto-RX.

If flushing with "cheap" fluid is your intent, at least add some Lubegard to Dex IIIH.
 
quote:
Originally posted by BrianWC:

quote:
Originally posted by Schmoe:
For a QUART??? You got to be kidding!!! Find another dealer.
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Nope, that's for a 3 quart pack shipped.
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Saw that on e-Bay also, available every day at that price.. The lowest quoted price from a dealer n the KC area has been $6.37 + tax + chasing it down..I think I will get some from e-Bay also. This comes from a Honda dealer right to my door.
 
run Valvo Maxlife with Lugeguard Platinum, 4oz, in wife's CRV and TL. smoother more positive shifts, less shift hunting, no snap and jerk gear changes...

CRV is easy to do 6 qt flush on...start with 7 qts of Maxlife... drain via bottom plug....fill w 3 qts...disconnect neoprene in line from tranny on bottom back side of radiator...put on neoprene extension into drain pan....run engine to pump out 2 qts and add 2 qts until 7 qts total put in...add 4oz of the Lubeguard Platinum....cut neoprene return line and insert an inline ATF filter....Lubeguard has cleaning esters

Maxlife is easy to find anywhere...on sale often
I do a complete change every 50k
have to make 20m trip out of my way here to get the Honda clear slime....will never go back to Honda Z1....do I use their overpriced motor oils? NO...do I use their antifreeze? NO...just changed both today Prestone OAT tech coolant.....
 
Lubegard Red is not a friction modifier. Black or Platinum should be used.

Use lubegard red to enhance OEM fluid.
 
Ah, well, I put red and cheapo dex III in my saab's 4 speed aisin warner. Then just the other day I found 4 bottles of red at 75% off at Advance so I grabbed them.....
 
I've been using the Maxlife in our Odessey's tranny for a couple of years now, and it shifts great, no need for anything else. I change out 3 quarts twice a year when I'm changing the engine oil to keep it fresh since it's so easy to do.
 
wife's CRV and TL on steady diet of Maxlife and Lubeguard Platinum...started with full capacity gentle flush in both w added inline filter....
made the CRV into a real automatic with decent shifts and did away with the crazed shift hunting
TL is smooth, quiet and totally responsive on shifts
http://www.valvoline.com/pages/products/product_detail.asp?product=6
Approvals/Performance Levels
Exceeds the latest performance requirements of DEXRON®-III H and MERCON® fluids
Recommended for use in GM, Ford, Mazda, Toyota, Hyundai and others where DEXRON®-III and MERCON® fluids are specified
Suitable for use in Nissan Matic D, Matic J, Matic K applications
Suitable for use in KIA SP-II and SP-III applications and in Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II and SP-III applications
Suitable for use in Toyota/Lexus Type T, T-III and T-IV applications
Suitable for use in Honda/Acura ATF-Z1 (except in CVTs) applications

pour point is 11d F lower than most non syn ATF's yet 100d C cSt is similar to most DexIII/Mercon ATF's...great shifting in cold wx winters, far better than that Z1 snake oil

I refused to drive her CRV prior to the Maxlife change, the auto box was such a horrible nasty little shiftless thing. Now, it's fun to drive and mileage is up over 25 mpg....

never go back to the Z1, their overpriced engine oil, brake fluid or antifreeze

I was a total believer in Mobil 1 and Chevron ATF in other apps. but this Maxlife does work and last in Hondas....Maxlife in Hondas is a tip I picked up on Honda forums and here

[ August 19, 2006, 10:05 AM: Message edited by: Steelhead ]
 
for what it's worth, i don't use honda brake fluid also, despite the manual saying you must use honda stuff. I have valvoline syn dot 3 for 20K miles and so far ok.
 
quote:
Originally posted by glxpassat:
I've been using the Maxlife in our Odessey's tranny for a couple of years now, and it shifts great, no need for anything else.
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Good to know. I just switched to Maxlife/LG Black after much search. What year Ody (4 or 5-speed AT)?
 
If I would use the Maxlife ATF in my 05 Accord, would you do a complete flush, or just start using 3 quarts at regular change intervals? I was planning to do the 3 qt drain and fills every 25K. Also if you use ramps to change the fluid will more than 3 quarts come out? Accord owners please speak up. TIA
 
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