Honda MTF II v. Amsoil MTF

[vinu_neuro]

I need to change the mtf that's in my Prelude transmission. The fluid in there is the original Honda formula mtf conventional, and is about 15k miles old. It's horrid in cold weather.

The new stuff is synthetic was introduced earlier this to alleviate some of the problems some new 6sp Honda trans' are having.

I have a dilemma whether to use the new Honda MTF which is around $7.50 or go with Amsoil MTF. Any insight regarding these two fluids would be much appreciated.

 

[Tempest]

I use the MTF in my Ranger and am very happy with it. I vote Amsoil.

 

[Pablo]

Amsoil MTF Lots of great feedback from Honda customers. No complaints. Good winter shifting.

 

[unDummy]

Redline MTL, Amsoil MTF, and the newer Hondacura MTF are all good choices. Flip a coin. I myself would use Redline or Amsoil.

 

[Bror Jace]

I just changed the oil in my 2006 Civic's 5-speed at 12,000 miles.

I drained the factory oil which was a golden color ... smelled like gear oil but drained like motor oil. Not sure if this is MTF I or II. There was a fair amount of visisble flecks in the stuff.

I wanted to use SpecForm MTL-P .... but didn't have enough so I used about 2/3 SpecForm MTL-P and 1/3 Red Line MTL.

Shifting is not as good as the factory fluid ... especially in the cold. I'm really surprised at this.

Maybe next time I'll try Amsoil MTF ... although it seems just a touch thin for a Honda that (supposedly) likes cSt of 10.5-11.5. But this area is temperate and I'm sure the Amsoil will be fine.

 

[televascular]

If you have a 2006 model Civic, the factory fill is the original Honda MTF. Only 2007+ vehicles come with the revised MTF from the factory.

I had a lot of shifting trouble when I first got the car (6-spd. manual), so I switched to Specialty Formulations' MTL-P. There was a dramatic increase in smoothness and shift quality; however, cold shifting is still troublesome. I haven't tried the new and improved Honda MTF, so I can't speak for it. I just purchased some Amsoil Synchromesh MTF because I've read nothing but good things about it on Honda forums. We'll see how it compares to SF-MTL-P once I change it out in a couple weeks.

 

[Bror Jace]

televascular, speaking of multiple formulas, which MTL-P version do you have? MolaKule said something about reformulating it slightly thinner before production ceased late last year.

The shifting in my transmission seems fine once everything's sufficienty warmed up. Very odd that a combination of both synthetic formulas (MTL & MTL-P) are stiffer first thing in the moring than Honda MTF ... and it's only gonna get colder around here.

 

[televascular]

NOTE: The recent hardware crash deleted my original response.

I bought my MTL-P in September of 2006; the color is lavender. If memory serves, the label on the jug says 75W85.

Shifting is smooth and effortless when the MTL-P is warmed up but somewhat troublesome when cold. I've never used the Honda MTF in winter, so I can't comment on its cold weather performance.

Bror Jace, we've been in the same predicament: I have about a quart of MTL-P left, but my transmission specs 1.6 quarts. Unlike you, my reaction was to take the loss and buy some Amsoil MTF.

Any idea what I can do with the remaining MTL-P? Perhaps lubricate some hinges? I'd hate to see such a well-engineered product sit in my garage forever.

 

[ChromiumSteel]

I have had great results using Mobil 1 ATF since the early nineties. Just sold a 92 Civic to a neighbor with 235,000 miles on it that shifted like new. But a friend at the Honda dealer says late model Honda's must use the Honda fluid. I am inclined to believe him because he is an "insider".

 

[Bror Jace]

"Bror Jace, we've been in the same predicament: I have about a quart of MTL-P left, but my transmission specs 1.6 quarts. Unlike you, my reaction was to take the loss and buy some Amsoil MTF.

Any idea what I can do with the remaining MTL-P? Perhaps lubricate some hinges? I'd hate to see such a well-engineered product sit in my garage forever."

Gee Televascualr I wish I had known that a month or more ago ... I would have bought that stuff from you.

It's a good, lightweight gear oil. I'm not sure what you could use it on. Since I'll be using MTF II or Amsoil next time, I don't need it anymore.

 

[televascular]

That's a little sad to hear. Too bad there's no obvious use for my MTL.

Perhaps, since SF is no longer in business, I can hold onto it for 30+ years and it will accumulate value. Then I could sell it to some shameful perverted collector.

Or maybe I could sell it to someone with a [toy] car whose transmission demands one quart of fluid.