Manual Transmission Calling for ATF. Why?

[dfarr67]

That sounds like ancient lore - BUT there could be some plastic used at some point that didn't like certain base oils. Hard to know.

This said, actually getting "cute" sure, no willy nilly, but there actually is enough room to improve in this space.

I don't know, Redline oil came to mind- claims it cost one customer $4500......so with all the other oils out there why not take his advice.

 

[Auto tech]

Manual transmissions have been using ATF for 30 plus years. Depending on what manual transmission it is and what the OEM specifies

 

[00scrub]

The thread is going a little more towards the topic of “what’s a good alternative” I was hoping someone could answer why chemically or mechanically do some manual transmissions specify ATF vs an MTF.

I’ll open the “is there a better fluid than the gm specified fluid” thread once I get some VOAs done of the various fluids.

 

[Dave Hess]

The thread is going a little more towards the topic of “what’s a good alternative” I was hoping someone could answer why chemically or mechanically do some manual transmissions specify ATF vs an MTF.

I’ll open the “is there a better fluid than the gm specified fluid” thread once I get some VOAs done of the various fluids.

What vehicle will you be purchasing that has ATF as OEM fill ?

My old 1990 Mustang with T5 transmission also used ATF. I put Redline MTL.

 

[SOUNDMAN5000]

I recall many years ago some confusion when time to service my 1988, 4 cyl Chevy S-10 manual gear box as Chevy changed from gear oil to ATF around that time from one year to the next. The transmission was the same transmission but chevy said gear oil then changed to AFT , may have been in the middle of that model year?
My guess it was EPA related but I have no idea?

 

[00scrub]

What vehicle will you be purchasing that has ATF as OEM fill ?

My old 1990 Mustang with T5 transmission also used ATF. I put Redline MTL.

Cadillac ct5v Blackwing

 

[ripcord]

I recall many years ago some confusion when time to service my 1988, 4 cyl Chevy S-10 manual gear box as Chevy changed from gear oil to ATF around that time from one year to the next. The transmission was the same transmission but chevy said gear oil then changed to AFT , may have been in the middle of that model year?
My guess it was EPA related but I have no idea?

My niece had a nineties S10 with the 4 cylinder and I think it had an NV1500 5 speed. I changed the lube and put Royal Purple synchromesh fluid in it as that's what the Internet said to use. A few months later that stupid thing started not going into gear like the sychros couldn't grab anymore. I dumped a bottle (maybe two) of Lubegard limited slip additive into it and it was fine after that.

 

[JHZR2]

The thread is going a little more towards the topic of “what’s a good alternative” I was hoping someone could answer why chemically or mechanically do some manual transmissions specify ATF vs an MTF.

I’ll open the “is there a better fluid than the gm specified fluid” thread once I get some VOAs done of the various fluids.

Go back and look at some of the things @MolaKule wrote on the topic.

ATF isn’t great in all attributes but it works well for many.

There also used to at least be ATF that had higher levels of adds for use in an MT.

 

[02SE]

I'm running Redline D4 in a strengthened TR6060 and stock TR6070, with great results.

 

[Carmudgeon]

Manual transmissions have been using ATF for 30 plus years. Depending on what manual transmission it is and what the OEM specifies

30+, even.

Power steering as well.

Makes life simpler.

 

[MolaKule]

A good alternative is HPL Manual Transmission Life [email protected] cSt which has been validated through racing applications.

 

[FordFETruck]

My dad went through transmission school in the 70's and then it was explained that the only real reason that ATF, a MTF like synchromesh or 80W90 being used in different transmissions from a factory fill standpoint had to do with the shift feel depending on the model/type of manual transmission, all of the lubricants protected the same otherwise. I'm sure a lot of that has changed since then but it was a pretty good explanation as to why certain fluids were used in certain manual transmissions. I'm sure the ATF and a thinner fluid like synchromesh does free up some power loss compared to a thicker 80W90 especially in the colder weather.