Is Lubegard really that bad?

[The Critic]

I understand that Molakule and possibly, a few other experts on this forum, disapprove the usage of Lubegard fluid converters.

However, for discussion purposes, let’s say I was trying to convert Dexron III-H/Mercon to a common HFM type fluid, Mercon V.

From what I understand, the basestocks used for these two are relatively similar, as both require at least a Group II basestock for sufficient oxidation resistance. Thus, I’d be starting with a fluid that offers roughly the same low-temp and high-temp properties?

Lubegard listed on their website, the test results for the Mercon V cycling test for a “Mercon V equivalent ATF” produced by mixing a Dexron III fluid and their green bottle fluid converter. Thus, wouldn’t their Mercon V supplement have been put through the necessary tests to assure its compatibility and performance in a Mercon V application?

If I used Lubegard “green” Mercon V (M-V) fluid converter, which converts Dexron III-H/Mercon to Mercon V only, wouldn’t I be producing a Mercon V equivalent fluid? The green bottle Mercon V converter is only for use to convert Dexron III to Mercon V applications, so it doesn’t contain the wide range of friction modifiers present in their Lubegard “Black” and “Platinum” products, as the “Black” and “Platinum” products promise to convert a Dexron III into a fluid suitable for a variety of HFM apps.

Lastly, in regards to Lubegard “Black” HFM fluid converter, many independent transmission shops use this product to minimize inventory. Few have complaints, and most complaints existing were in regards to shudder problems when the Dexron III and Lubegard “Black” mix was used in Mopar ATF+3 and ATF+4 applications only. So in the end, while I don’t disagree that the usage of a fluid converter may not be ideal, with that many successful usages of this product, wouldn’t it be considered acceptable to use Lubegard fluid converters, especially their Mercon V specific/only product?

Thanks.

 

[GimmeTorq]

Based on my experience, it seems that using good quality ATF meeting your car's transmission specs and Lubegard Red rather than playing around with the Lubegard converters, produces better results. But I'm no expert in the matter, just a consumer and user of the stuff

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[TomJones76]

I will say that the ATRA, the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association, endorses modifying fluids by the use of Lubegard or equvalents. Given that they have a "warranty exchange" program of sorts, it may mean something.

 

[Gary Allan]

Michael, I think that the general aversion to fluid converters not necessarily that they don't match operational performance standards, it's that this may only be one spec that the manufacturer puts forth in formulating the fluid.


Now, personally, I give the added HFM fancy fluids about as much respect as the Wizard of Oz (pay no attention to the man behind that curtain!!) and feel (and have used) Lubeguard, in its various offerings, works just fine in many conversion situations. I would only be leary of some obscure "boobytrap" that goes beyond "apparent operational equivalence" (seal, or other material, compatability, etc.). These boobytraps may or may not exist, but do you want to wager a 2-4 thousand trans rebuild on it

 

[Ken2]

Michael,
Mercon-V is not a highly friction modified ATF. Lubegard green is not interchangable with Lubegard black. The Platinum is said to be good for everything, and may be somewhat similar to the ingredients in the all-vehicle ATFs on the market.

I've used Lubegard red in Dexron-III applications with no problems and no apparent benefit. I've used Lubegard HFM black and Dexron-III ATF in a Honda and got good shifts.


Ken