Big problem with Redline D4 ATF

[AzFireGuy79]

Pablo- And there are others who could say the same thing about amsoil blowing up their diff..... I really see no reason for alarm here. If the shifting is good and its not whining and no longer shedding metal, why change anything. Just know that redline would not endorse what you are doing.

 

[INDYMAC]

I have an 09 RAV4 V-6 that I plan to do a full ATF flush on at 30K. I've been watching what happens to people that try a higher viscosity ATF to see if I want to go that route. I was also hoping that Toyota would upgrade their WS fluid by then, but I doubt they will since higher viscosity will invariably hurt fuel economy. There also seems to be a real ATF filter for the V-6 models (instead of screen filter). I didn't plan to drop the pan and change the filter, but I guess I'll have to before the flush now.

Good luck with the D4 and keep us updated. Thanks.

 

[Pablo]

Originally Posted By: AzFireGuy79
Pablo- And there are others who could say the same thing about amsoil blowing up their diff..... I really see no reason for alarm here. If the shifting is good and its not whining and no longer shedding metal, why change anything. Just know that redline would not endorse what you are doing.


No "alarm" from me. But you do understand what I'm writing. I hope.

 

[friendly_jacek]

Update: I talked to Dave at Redline and he said that he recommends D4 in WS application rather than D6. He said friction properties of D4 are close to WS. I was surprised as their website clearly states D6 is a replacement for WS. Thus I asked him several times. He also said that there are no compatibility issues with WS and no flush is needed.

This makes me feel better about the whole ordeal. If I could figure out the origin of the metal flakes on the dipstick, I would be happy.

BTW, there is still diff whine with D4. Probably softer (subjective), but still present.

 

[friendly_jacek]

I think I figured it out.

I did a few more experiments and I'm quite sure now that the particles came from the dipstick tube due to rubbing of dipstick (with the sharp, saw-like low-high marks) against the very curved tube.

I was able to see scratch marks inside the tube and removed a lot of similar particles with a magnetic probe. The particle shape is classical for cutting wear according to wear particle atlas.

It makes sense that I did not see them before, as I rarely checked transmission fluid level before, but inserted and removed the dipstick numerous times during the draining and refilling process (sometimes I must have put it at a wrong angle as it was very hard to put it in).

I feel bad that I blamed Redline oil for this.

 

[unDummy]

Try some of the RWD Toyotas. I've mangled a few dipsticks. Brute force failed.
Grab a wire wheel brush or fiber wheel and 'deburr' that dipstick and it'll be easier to work with.

 

[oilboy123]

Good reminder to deburr the dipstick.

 

[[RT] ProjUltraZ]

and turn it so the flat way takes the curve