Ceratec - snake oil satisfaction

[kr_bitog]

I have just finished break-in my 1NZ-FE that is rebuilt with new rings.
I change the unknown w40 oil at first 250 km, and replaced with PUP 5w30.
It has been about 3K, and can feel the ring just seat in tightly with PUP.
Happy with torque but not with FC, it is just improve < 0.5 km/l compared before overhaul.

Decided to dump gearbox oil, engine oil and replace oil filter, fill up with another PUP 5w30 and Redline MT-90 plus magic potion Ceratec on both gearbox and engine.

Cross my finger and drive for 1 hr to gauge the change, interestingly synchro works well as usual with regular MT-90 (not grinding like other oils (Amsoil/Mobil 1/Motul).
Recall my 2 previous Ceratec experience before (with older engine), the same effect is engine has less engine braking, but on this new engine noise much quieter and rev much smoother after ceratec in.
Another impression, is the gearbox having less vibration, that also gives gliding effect.

So far so good, hope this will last for 1 full OCI.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

My old car would rattle and vibrate pretty badly if it sat for a week without being started. I have a bottle of Ceratec in it now and it definitely reduced the amount of rattling/vibrating and the length of it. At $27/bottle, though, I don't think I will use it again.

 

[PabloZ]

I have a good results with ceramic oil additives, espcially on gearbox.

 

[kr_bitog]

Just some update on reaching 500 km with ceratec in gearbox, in the morning the first few minutes the shift quality drop a bit, it feels too slippery for shift 1 to 2 or vice versa. However once the gearbox warms up, the shifting is so slick and very obvious of less vibration during drive.

Hope it will improve after 5k drive.

 

[Trav]

Syncro rings require friction to function properly using something like MoS2, Ceratec and similar anti friction products can alter the fluids friction characteristics by permeating the SNR material (usually brass) making it too slippery.
Personally I don't put anything in the MTF, I may change to a different viscosity fluid depending on conditions but that's all. All you want to know about syncro rings.

Syncro rings

 

[MolaKule]

Originally Posted By: kr_bitog
Just some update on reaching 500 km with ceratec in gearbox, in the morning the first few minutes the shift quality drop a bit, it feels too slippery for shift 1 to 2 or vice versa. However once the gearbox warms up, the shifting is so slick and very obvious of less vibration during drive.

Hope it will improve after 5k drive.


Shifter fork movement is highly dependent on viscosity and of course temperature.

Vibration can be caused by 1) worn shaft bearings, 2) Clutch plate warp, 3) transmission mounts, 4) extremely worn or chipped gear teeth.


Trav is right on in that any externally added FM component will compete or interfere with the friction modifier in the MTF formula.

Changing the friction coefficient by adding external additives could actually accelerate synchro assembly wear.

 

[kr_bitog]

Actually i have tried so many oil for this gearbox, from GL4/GL5, MT90, MT85, non friction modified NS90, Amsoil, Mobil SHC-90. The best shifting is still with MT90, it is just that with 250k mileage, thereis slight more clearance and would think soft metal in ceratec will "restore" some of the wear. I think I know when it is too slippery, which is the reason i dump others and choose mt 90 and not adding mos2.
One interesting observation with Mobil 1 SHC, it seems the synchro so sticky (slow to change speed) and slippery (will grind) that downshift into first or second will need rev-matching. Based on that, I like Mobil 1 as dedicated differential oil.

The vibration I mentioned before is also very mild, that is perceivable if someone really looking into it carefully.

So far, the ceratec effect is very mild, and not happen every morning, so I will keep monitor for 5k and see how it works out.

 

[wag123]

Originally Posted By: Trav
Syncro rings require friction to function properly using something like MoS2, Ceratec and similar anti friction products can alter the fluids friction characteristics by permeating the SNR material (usually brass) making it too slippery.
Personally I don't put anything in the MTF, I may change to a different viscosity fluid depending on conditions but that's all. All you want to know about syncro rings.

Syncro rings


+1

 

[PimTac]

I wonder how this stuff works when manufacturers are using processes to reduce friction like DLC etc? Has there been any testing done in that regard how the Ceratec reacts with coatings or other methods?

 

[kr_bitog]

I would think ceratec may never stick to good condition dlc surface, however once the dlc is worn, it may allow the stuff to fill. Just an update after 1k, the gearbox feels tighter like newer car and no more too slippery feeling during downshift.

 

[FlyPenFly]

Hmmm can you add it to a modern 6 speed auto?

 

[Jetronic]

I wouldn't add anything to an automatic transmission, since the friction modifiers are very specific in them to make proper shifts. If you're not convinced by your current fluid, go to another brand that uses the correct FM.

 

[kr_bitog]

Originally Posted By: FlyPenFly
Hmmm can you add it to a modern 6 speed auto?


No, i believe this is not meant for auto gearbox or wet clutch application even though there are people did that but I doubt it goes well in the long run.

 

[Tim83]

Quite unsure if it works on all coatings or surfaces and how efficient it optimizes the engine oil but interested in hearing more feedback, both good and bad.