MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF as low-budget TES-295 sub?

[38Chevy454]

I have two different med duty chassis trucks with Allison 2000 series transmissions. I know that a regular DexIII/Merc can be used (TES-389 spec), but preferred is the TES-295 specification full synth ATF. Any real TES-295 are higher priced, typical is $35-40/gal. The change interval is lower on the TES-389, and it also seems logical there is some reduced temperature and oxidation resistance of conventional base vs synthetic base of the TES-295

I know a lot of folks like the MaxLife D/M ATF and it is a full synth. So what about the MaxLife as a lower budget TES-295 substitute? MaxLife is not currently TES-295 certified. I know it can work, but would it be like the TES-389 or more like the TES-295? I appreciate any thoughts and discussion.

Of course better availability and lower price of the MaxLife is a nice bonus.

 

[CT8]

Transmissions cost big bucks I would spent the $$$ for the recommended TES 295 fluid.

 

[3311]

I would be worried if those transmissions have any viton seals like mine below. There is/was a compatibility issue with viton seals on older Allisons 2000 series like mine and Dex VI.

I did contact Valvoline and they did email back that there is no issue with Maxlife Dex/Merc and viton though. I may switch to Maxlife at next service but I have stuck with Mobil 1 Atf since that is what I have used since day 1 in that truck.

 

[JHZR2]

Isn't mobil atf at target compliant to that spec?

 

[ledslinger]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Isn't mobil atf at target compliant to that spec?


Mobil 1 ATF isn't TES 295, Mobil Delvac ATF is.

 

[3311]

My tranmisson called for dexIII that's why I used. Mobil1 atf. Don't recall if transynd etc.... was around in 03.

 

[threeputtpar]

There's a former Transyn fluid person that's a member here. Maybe you should PM him and see what he thinks. I think transyn is in his ID.

 

[901Memphis]

Originally Posted By: ledslinger
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Isn't mobil atf at target compliant to that spec?


Mobil 1 ATF isn't TES 295, Mobil Delvac ATF is.


He's talking about the mineral based Mobil dex merc which does have the approvals.

 

[ledslinger]

Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
Originally Posted By: ledslinger
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Isn't mobil atf at target compliant to that spec?


Mobil 1 ATF isn't TES 295, Mobil Delvac ATF is.


He's talking about the mineral based Mobil dex merc which does have the approvals.


No other Mobil product is TES 295 rated. Approved TES 295 fluids are reputed to have synthetic and likely PAO base stock. Mobil mineral ATF might be TES 389 approved which is likely the same as Dexron III H. TES 389 is one of best indicators of a top quality mineral Dexron III type of fluid.

If you look at Allison's change intervals with TES 295 vs using TES 389 fluids, you see that it requires a substantial fluid to double and triple the interval.

 

[ledslinger]

Here is the PDS on Mobil D/M. It has Dex IIIH, Allison C-4, and Mercon ratings.

http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/GLXXENPVLMOMobil_ATF_D_M.aspx

 

[901Memphis]

Originally Posted By: ledslinger
Here is the PDS on Mobil D/M. It has Dex IIIH, Allison C-4, and Mercon ratings.

http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/GLXXENPVLMOMobil_ATF_D_M.aspx


I use the Mobil D/M in my Buick psf system

 

[38Chevy454]

The TES-389 spec is basically conventional mineral base DexIII, as several have pointed out. TES-295 are synthetic base. I am aware that the Allison trans can use Dex/Merc type fluids - but with reduced change intervals. I would prefer the extra protection of synthetic.

I will spend the money if I need to, but just because MaxLife Dex/Merc is *not* TES-195, I wonder if being a full synthetic if it might be very close to, or actually, meeting the TES-295 reqts? That is my question, could it be a very close lower budget substitute for actual TES-295 certified fluid?

 

[ledslinger]

"but just because MaxLife Dex/Merc is *not* TES-195, I wonder if being a full synthetic if it might be very close to, or actually, meeting the TES-295 reqts? That is my question, could it be a very close lower budget substitute for actual TES-295 certified fluid?"

There are no "poor man's" ATF substitutes for TES 295 in my opinion. If you actually get 2-3 times the life out of a run of TES 295 fluid, it may be cheaper to run than several changes of TES 389 fluid. Possibly with better cold and hot performance during the run.

If the Maxlife fluid is also Dexron VI rated, it is likely lower viscosity than the TES 295 fluid. If the TES 295 fluid doesn't have viscosity breakdown to Dex VI viscosity levels like a TES 389 fluid likely will, it may protect better.

I think I'd either run TES 389 mineral fluid for short intervals or TES 295 for extended. This would reduce a little paranoia about seal compatibility if you run a non approved fluid.

 

[Greasymechtech]

Maxlife starting visc is too thin for TES295. It can be used no problem but I would recommend a TES389 interval, or somewhere in between the 389 295 intervals, or via UOA data.
Mobil1 ATF will work fine too.

 

[38Chevy454]

Thanks for the discussion and information. I think I will just pay for the real stuff. Save the MaxLife D/M for my older lighter duty vehicles that use Dex or Mercon. Use the good stuff in the medium duty truck Allison trans.