Latest Maxlife ATF spec sheet

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buck91

buck91

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As found here ( http://content.valvoline.com/pdf/maxlife_atf.pdf ) its looking like the Maxlife ATF has an ever widenign breadth of application recommendations. Specifically I'm concerned with the Mercon/Mercon V/Mercon LV applications; at least as far as viscosity is concerned it looks like the ML is slightly thinner than even the LV when new. Shot and email to valvoline asking about this, very curious to hear any reply they offer.

I know Maxlife ATF is generally well regarded here, just figured I'd show this latest publication (12 Jan 2017) for everyone and see what we think.
 
Alot of CYA stuff on the bottom of the first page. I definitely wouldn't run this fluid in a vehicle still under warranty and I'd be wary of running a universal fluid that calls for a very specific fluid.
 
That Valvoline added Mercon-SP to the list is the biggest news. The SP had "always" been separated/excluded.

I've been using the ML Dex/Merc-LV in JWS3309 (in Volvo-Saab-Toyota cars) applications with nothing but improvements.

Good stuff-no science to back my claim. Kira
 
Some here have stated they use the MaxLife w/o issue for Dex 3/Mercon, Mercon SP, Mercon V applications without issue. It comes done to your own personal expertise and/or risk tolerance. I'm not comfortable using the Max Life in place of Dex 3/Merc specced in a manual transmission no matter how little the MaxLife shears.

And besides having just added the Mercon SP to their list....they also added Mercon V. Those were not their last time I checked only a couple weeks ago. It appears there's nothing this fluid can't do. They might have to add a 2nd sticker soon to make space for more applications.

Lots of threads and discussion on this over the years.
 
Well, not sure what to make of this response. Seems like they are speaking from both sides of their mouth recommending a dedicated dex/merc fluid while still saying maxlife would be fine...

Originally Posted By: Valvoline
... thank you for contacting Valvoline for your automatic transmission fluid application.



For your Ford application, we recommend the use of our Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF product to meet the specifications recommended by your manufacturer. This product is 100% compatible for mixture or replacement in your vehicle and will not void any new car warranties. When buying Ford fluids, there is a difference which is why Ford says not to mix them. Our Maxlife ATF features a additive package and viscosity that works in all Ford Mercon applications. As the Product Information Sheet indicates, Maxlife ATF will be fine in any Ford application except type F. We stand behind the use of Maxlife ATF 100%.



If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us via email or by phone at 800 TEAM VAL. Thank you once again for contacting Valvoline Product Support and have a great day.



Mike

Valvoline Product Support



Thank you,



Valvoline Product Support

Ticket Number:

Subject: Maxlife ATF Application
 
Quote:
...Seems like they are speaking from both sides of their mouth recommending a dedicated dex/merc fluid while still saying maxlife would be fine...

Curious where you get the impression ML is "dedicated dex/merc fluid"? MaxLife is a Multi Vehicle ATF, with recommendations for Dex/Merc, Mercon LV and many more applications on the jug/bottle front. Imo, seems in keeping not only with Valvoline's response but the spec sheet too. Reply doesn't seem ambiguous to me.

photo-166.jpg
 
Originally Posted By: buck91
Well, not sure what to make of this response. Seems like they are speaking from both sides of their mouth recommending a dedicated dex/merc fluid while still saying maxlife would be fine...

Originally Posted By: Valvoline
... thank you for contacting Valvoline for your automatic transmission fluid application.


For your Ford application, we recommend the use of our Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF product to meet the specifications recommended by your manufacturer. This product is 100% compatible for mixture or replacement in your vehicle and will not void any new car warranties. When buying Ford fluids, there is a difference which is why Ford says not to mix them. Our Maxlife ATF features a additive package and viscosity that works in all Ford Mercon applications. As the Product Information Sheet indicates, Maxlife ATF will be fine in any Ford application except type F. We stand behind the use of Maxlife ATF 100%.



If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us via email or by phone at 800 TEAM VAL. Thank you once again for contacting Valvoline Product Support and have a great day.



Mike

Valvoline Product Support



Thank you,



Valvoline Product Support

Ticket Number:

Subject: Maxlife ATF Application



I don't see anything different in terms of coverage language from previous labels.

If you don't have the "easys'" about a product, don't buy it and don't use it.

Instead of arguing over coverage do this.

Create a letter with the following or similar language for the company whose product you intend to use:

Quote:
Dear [Company Name][Customer Support],

I would like to use your ATF product without reservation.

I have a 2XXX [vehicle type and VIN] with a X.XL cu engine and according to my owners manual or transmission tag it has a [transmission designation]. Current mileage is [mileage].

Will you guarantee, by return letter and signature, this fluid will function the same, in terms of wear protection and friction characteristics, as the [OEM fluid specification here].

Sincerely,

[Your signature with return address, etc]
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
Looks like it went for the Dex VI market, too thin for Dex III now.


Are you forgetting that GM and other Manf. now state that their LV fluids are backward compatible to earlier Dexron/Merc-type fluids?
 
Originally Posted By: MolaKule
Originally Posted By: LeakySeals
Looks like it went for the Dex VI market, too thin for Dex III now.


Are you forgetting that GM and other Manf. now state that their LV fluids are backward compatible to earlier Dexron/Merc-type fluids?


No. How I found out Maxlife is too thin for the Dex III spec. Shuddered so bad in the TC I had to remove it. The visc is even thinner than GM Dex VI now. Further reading implies some, not all GM transmissions are backwards compatible.
 
Originally Posted By: LeakySeals


No. How I found out Maxlife is too thin for the Dex III spec. Shuddered so bad in the TC I had to remove it. The visc is even thinner than GM Dex VI now. Further reading implies some, not all GM transmissions are backwards compatible.



Here are some facts and specifications about these Dexron fluids:

Dex III/Mercon type fluids: Max cSt 7.5; shears down to 4.2 cSt under standard tests;

GM Dexron VI: Starting viscosity cannot be > than 6.4 cSt; cannot shear down to less than 5.5 cST under standard tests;

Mobil 1 Dexron VI: Starting viscosity - 5.83 cSt, cannot shear down to less than 5.5 cST under standard tests;

MaxLife ATF: Starting viscosity - 5.91 cSt, cannot shear down to less than 5.5 cST under standard tests;

Redline D6 ATF: Starting viscosity - 6.4 cSt, cannot shear down to less than 6.1 cST under standard tests.

Shear testing is done using four tests; the Fuel Injector Shear Stability test, the Sonic shear test, the DEXRON®-III Cycling test and the KRL test.

The KRL tests have been shown to provide the better accelerated shear tests, in which all of the above fluids have been subjected.


May I suggest that your transmission has a problem that is not related to fluid viscosity.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: MolaKule
Originally Posted By: LeakySeals


No. How I found out Maxlife is too thin for the Dex III spec. Shuddered so bad in the TC I had to remove it. The visc is even thinner than GM Dex VI now. Further reading implies some, not all GM transmissions are backwards compatible.



Here are some facts and specifications about these Dexron fluids:

Dex III/Mercon type fluids: Max cSt 7.5; shears down to 4.2 cSt under standard tests;

GM Dexron VI: Starting viscosity cannot be > than 6.4 cSt; cannot shear down to less than 5.5 cST under standard tests;

Mobil 1 Dexron VI: Starting viscosity - 5.83 cSt, cannot shear down to less than 5.5 cST under standard tests;

MaxLife ATF: Starting viscosity - 5.91 cSt, cannot shear down to less than 5.5 cST under standard tests;

Redline D6 ATF: Starting viscosity - 6.4 cSt, cannot shear down to less than 6.1 cST under standard tests.

Shear testing is done using four tests; the Fuel Injector Shear Stability test, the Sonic shear test, the DEXRON®-III Cycling test and the KRL test.

The KRL tests have been shown to provide the better accelerated shear tests, in which all of the above fluids have been subjected.


May I suggest that your transmission has a problem that is not related to fluid viscosity.

You may, and maybe it does. But it seems ok running Maxlife (spec Dex VI). Its the TC that doesn't like it (spec Dex III-H). But its good with O'rielly Dex III-H. Now I'm trying M1 syn ATF. Different weirdness. The TC may have a problem.
 
Previous thread on Max Life ATF

One confusing thing with the picture of the label on the jug is that the PDS is truncated. On the bottle it directs you to their website to see all the recommendations. If you go by just what's on the bottle you won't see Mercon V or SP. Didn't see that first time around. This PDS was updated in late December 2016. I'd like to see what items they added after that with this latest revision.

Max Life is a low viscosity ATF, plain and simple. Both my transmissions spec an ATF with a DEX 3 viscosity (ie nearly 7 or better). Since visosity is so important in my manual trans, I'm not going with a fluid that starts out at 5.9 cSt. I'll used the Dex 3 at 7.4 and just change it more often...or use a synthetic like Mobil 1 ATF that shears minimally. Max Life does have a nice add package....I wish some of the basic Dex 3's had something similar. A Dex 3 used in a 2008 Corvette T56 (factory spec) sheared down from 7.5 to 5.8 over 8,000 miles. The solution? Change it more often. I change mine now every 3 years/4K miles. Makes me wonder how some people got 100-150K miles on their untouched T56's with factory ATF fluid. That stuff must have been down to 3-4 cSt by that time....but....still working.
 
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