Help me pick a new MTF for my Nissan.

PulMax · Mar 13, 2005

My Nissan Maxima is currently running Redline MT-90 MTF, and I don't think its benefitted the car :\ I may be suffering from that Redline synchro-munching I hear about. I replaced it because I got the MT-90 cheap, and I had to replace my reverse-light switch, so the fluid was coming out by default!

I think I'll replace it when the warm weather comes. What should I use? Synth? Non-synth? Brand? I hear good about Royal Purple. It has to be API GL-4 fluid. I sure hope I haven't hurt the trans

Help is appreciated!

sbc350gearhead · Mar 13, 2005

I would try a fluid from specialty formulations.

Whimsey · Mar 13, 2005

quote:

Originally posted by sbc350gearhead:
I would try a fluid from specialty formulations.

I would second that. While I don't have a Maxima the SF manual transmission fluid in my Ford worked wonders compared to the manufacture's spec'd fluids I was using. And the SF fluid still gave real good winter temp performance, even though it was more viscous. It's also rated GL-4.

Whimsey

PulMax · Mar 13, 2005

Oi...10 dollars a quart?

I'm not looking for super-duper performance...just something good that won't eat my synchros. It does look good though...

How about something I can pick up at a local parts store?

MolaKule · Mar 13, 2005

You can either use the synthetic MTL-P from SF or the partial-synthetic Nissan/Infinity MTF 75W85.

The MT90 has a higher viscosity than the Nissan speced 75W85 fluids, which is why your shifting is less than optimum.

PulMax · Mar 13, 2005

Whoops...lol.

PulMax · Mar 13, 2005

Where did you find the info about the needed viscocity? My Nissan books just say API GL4.

EDIT: I take that back. My FSM says 80w90 is preferred for temps under 40deg C. 75w90 can also be used for the same range as 80w90. The Redline MT90 is 75w90

[ March 13, 2005, 09:23 PM: Message edited by: PulMax ]

mechtech · Mar 13, 2005

PulMax - Since you asked, why not get the best available? If you want great synchro protection, great shifting, and great gear/bearing wear, spend the $9.00 or so, instead of the $5.00 or so for marginal fluid.
Over the 30,000 miles or more you may leave the sauce in the transmission [probably a couple of years, anyway], what is the extra cost per mile? Pretty inconsequential.
I think Spec. Form. gear oils look the best on paper, and also hands on performance.

PulMax · Mar 13, 2005

I suppose. It looks like Amsoil makes an 80w90 GL4, as does Royal Purple, which I may also look into. The weather isn't very nice atm, which hinders fluid changes, so this will wait a bit.

I didn't have my FSM when I got the car and the fluid. Had I known that 80w90 was 'preferred' I would've probably just passed on the Redline. I'd like to use the factory recommended viscosity and not use an 'alternative'

[ March 13, 2005, 09:55 PM: Message edited by: PulMax ]

goodvibes · Mar 13, 2005

I'd take Mola's advice or just by his fluid. Amsoils coming out with some dedicated transmission fluids so I would hold of on them for a bit but if your looking at more expensive Amsoil or RP(which is definitely too thick) just give specialty formulations a try.

jmlangeveld · Mar 13, 2005

http://www.lubegard.com/automotive/gear_fluid_supp.html

Lubegard one of the best recommended additives on this site.

ccs2k1 · Mar 13, 2005

quote:

Originally posted by MolaKule:
The MT90 has a higher viscosity than the Nissan speced 75W85 fluids, which is why your shifting is less than optimum.

That is partially true. The original specification called for GL-4 75W90 (FWD) and GL-5 80W90 (RWD). However, due to most manual transmission Nissan owners' complaints regarding notchy shifting, Nissan issued a TSB (NTB05-015) calling for 75W85 for 01 and newer FWD and RWD transmissions to "optimize shift quality" rather than dealing with the lousy synchonizers.

PulMax · Mar 14, 2005

Mine is a '91...so its not nearly that new

MolaKule · Mar 14, 2005

quote:

Where did you find the info about the needed viscocity? My Nissan books just say API GL4.

I get my information from the Research I do.

ccs2k1 · Mar 15, 2005

quote:

Originally posted by ccs2k1:

quote:

Originally posted by MolaKule:
The MT90 has a higher viscosity than the Nissan speced 75W85 fluids, which is why your shifting is less than optimum.

Click to expand...

That is partially true. The original specification called for GL-4 75W90 (FWD) and GL-5 80W90 (RWD). However, due to most manual transmission Nissan owners' complaints regarding notchy shifting, Nissan issued a TSB (NTB05-015) calling for 75W85 for 01 and newer FWD and RWD transmissions to "optimize shift quality" rather than dealing with the lousy synchonizers.

Just realized I had two typos/errors in this past post. The TSB should have read NTB03-015 and the RWD spec should have been GL-4 80W90 for the transmission, GL-5 80W90 for the differencial.

PulMax · Mar 19, 2005

I'm probably going to catch crap for this, but I'm going to try Pennzoil GearPlus 80w90 GL4 in it. If the issues that the Redline have possibly caused are lessened, I'll probably spring for a proper synth in the proper viscosity when I'm not totally effing broke :|

People elsewhere seem to be having good results with it in manual gearboxes and differentials.

I've *not* heard much good about Valvoline's products though...whats the consensus on those? How about Lucas?

[ March 20, 2005, 12:15 AM: Message edited by: PulMax ]

unDummy · Mar 20, 2005

A '91 Maxima has many shifts on it by now.
Why don't you replace the shifter bushings and inspect the transmission/motor mounts?
Sloppy shifters will cause problems with gear engagement.
Loose engine/transmission mounts will allow excess movement under the hood which could also screw up the shift.

I'm beginning to find more shifter issues in older cars not caused by the fluid.
Don't rule out worn syncros.

Then, play musical fluids. Mail order/dealer/parts store fluid is your choice.

I find that MT90 improves shift quality in Nissan FWD transmissions that I've use it in, and have never experienced an MT90 caused synchro munching.

EloManga · Mar 21, 2005

I'm surprised no one has recommended BG 792 to you. Though I still have grind in my synchro's on 2nd to 3rd, I can shift it slowly enough that it won't grind. I also think my synchro's were going well before I could do anything. But I'd definitely go with it.
I also hear that the Pennz is good, especially for the money, but money aside, BG all the way!
It's as close to performing a miracle as you can get!

MolaKule · Mar 21, 2005

quote:

I'm probably going to catch crap for this, but I'm going to try Pennzoil GearPlus 80w90 GL4 in it. If the issues that the Redline have possibly caused are lessened, I'll probably spring for a proper synth in the proper viscosity when I'm not totally effing broke :|

You're not going to catch any crap, just recommendations. If your transmission or transaxle actually specs a XW90 fluid, and if you're not broke by then, spring for some SF GL4/5 MTL-P.

The problem with most OTS gear lubes is they don't have the proper friction modification or viscosity for good synchro engagement.

What's the year of the vehicle.

[ March 22, 2005, 12:49 AM: Message edited by: MolaKule ]

Bror Jace · Mar 22, 2005

EloZE'PGT I'm surprised no one has recommended BG 792 to you ... I also hear that the Pennz is good, especially for the money, but money aside, BG all the way! It's as close to performing a miracle as you can get!"[/i]

I won't use any syncromesh fluid until I know how thick it is. I want a cSt rating.

If these vintage Nissans want a 90 weight gear oil (including 75W-90 or 80W-90), then that's around a 15.0 cST. Red Line MT-90 should be a good choice, if this is the case.

Pennzoil syncromesh is around 9.0 cSt which is way too thin.

A thin fluid may give you a better initial shift feel ... but it also may allow premature wear of components.

I have no idea what the BG fluid is but I wouldn't use it until I knew its weight.

--- Bror Jace

Help me pick a new MTF for my Nissan.

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