ATF after sitting in garage

[drtyler]

How hot does ATF get ? What I've seen (only with our vehicles, admittedly), is they stay below 200º F.

Many engines over the years don't get over 200F either, yet water doesn't stay in the crankcase.

 

[Oillover]

But it's Amsoil....everyone knows they make the best fluids!

At least they used to.
After this finding, I'm not so sure anymore

 

[Hall]

Hmmm, I have some leftover ATF - car uses 3.5 quarts and I bought a 4-quart bottle. That was ~2 years ago.... Maybe I'll just dump it in the used oil bottle.

 

[Trav]

But it's Amsoil....everyone knows they make the best fluids!

At least they used to.
After this finding, I'm not so sure anymore

What does Amsoil have to do with it? It has been sitting in a garage for 4 years and could happen to any brand fluid. Amsoil is great fluid, dont turn this into an Amsoil bash for no good reason. I still buy their trans and diff fluids.

 

[Trav]

Hmmm, I have some leftover ATF - car uses 3.5 quarts and I bought a 4-quart bottle. That was ~2 years ago.... Maybe I'll just dump it in the used oil bottle.

If its an expensive fluid it may be worth having it tested if not chuck it IMO.

 

[Warstud]

I wonder if this filter woulda seperated out the water ?
https://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-F3NC...d=1626197400&sprefix=flo+tool,aps,205&sr=8-11

 

[Trav]

It may but I couldn't bring myself to use it anyway, it is to big a risk.

 

[RooflessVW]

But it's only .16%

That's .0512oz of water per quart. 1.5ml.

If it can absorb from the atmosphere into the bottled fluid, I'm sure it can absorb into the fluid inside the transmission.

 

[Hall]

If its an expensive fluid it may be worth having it tested if not chuck it IMO.

It's only a 1/2 quart (and not expensive). I ain't sweatin' it !

 

[Rand]

could always boil it out. put it on stove heat to 220f. I'd probably use it.

 

[Warstud]

Lesson learned >>>> Dont store fluids for long periods of time and Dont have your fluids tested. lol

 

[Warstud]

could always boil it out. put it on stove heat to 220f. I'd probably use it.

I was thinking you could always dilute it with fresh fluid.

 

[carviewsonic]

Even though screwed on, the cap must have allowed the container to slightly breath over the 4 years storage. Can't imagine any moisture being absorbed in the brief time the container was open.

 

[wemay]

Now everyone's going to wonder about their non-sealed oil stash. Like QS, Pnzl etc.

 

[Oillover]

What does Amsoil have to do with it? It has been sitting in a garage for 4 years and could happen to any brand fluid. Amsoil is great fluid, dont turn this into an Amsoil bash for no good reason. I still buy their trans and diff fluids.

So are you implying that ANY fluid container should be discarded that's been left open for any extended period of time?
How can you be certain these effects would be similar in other containers from other manufacturers?

 

[Kawiguy454]

...the chevy 8 speed pulsing "chuggle" was due to moisture absorption in the original formula Dex LV fluid. I was skeptical at first also thinking it should boil off but evidence proved that it is problematic enough to tweak the formulation. Flushed transmissions immediately worked better.

 

[MasterSolenoid]

I've always stored 'extra' auto fluids in my basement.
Living up North, the Basement temperature varies between 50 and 65 degrees F.
Humidity is controlled by Dehumidifier.
In the Fall, aerosol cans go into the Basement (to not freeze).

I can see moisture getting into a container as the temperatures go down.
Just the opposite is a plastic gas can swelling-up in the hot Summer.

 

[levi]

More years ago than I care to admit, I worked for an oil jobber (distributor). We were warned by the OEM suppliers that any oils we purchased by the barrel, once opened, would be susceptible to moisture infiltration no matter how much we tightened the bungs (openings). This was due to temperature/pressure differentials during the storage time after breaking the seal. The principle of hygroscopic. Literally one molecule of moisture at a time would enter the oil, and over a period of time it would become effectively contaminated.

 

[gathermewool]

How hot does ATF get ? What I've seen (only with our vehicles, admittedly), is they stay below 200º F.

You‘ve never hung something up to dry?

I wonder what the equilibrium temperature is for the ATF to evaporate moisture instead of absorbing it. I’d have to guess 200F would be good enough.

This makes a good argument for changing the ATF based on time as a heavily weighted factor for low-mileage cars that never get up to temp for extended periods of time (e.g., in my great aunt Sue’s car, used for groceries and church going).

 

[JustN89]

So are you implying that ANY fluid container should be discarded that's been left open for any extended period of time?
How can you be certain these effects would be similar in other containers from other manufacturers?

So your point is that the Amsoil, due to it's superior qualities, attracted more water into an opened jug stored for 4 years in a non-climate controlled environment than other brands would? So, your theory is Amsoil is its own worst enemy? So good that it's bad? Or are you saying, with zero evidence that Amsoil blended the ATF with water into it?

Some people on here...