Merc V....Mobil 1 ATF or Valvoline Merc Syn V

[BTLew81]

Given the choice, at similar price, what would you use? I have Amsoil ATF in the car now, which is a 2007 Mazda 3, but I am not overly impressed with the Amsoil. Not knocking it, but I would like an off the shelf product. Currently using SynPower in the motor, and like Valvo products. Would love to hear your thoughts on the two ATF's.

Thanks.

 

[buster]

I'd use the Mobil 1. Mobil gear/ATF fluids are very good.

 

[Tempest]

Originally Posted By: buster
I'd use the Mobil 1. Mobil gear/ATF fluids are very good.

+1

Please elaborate on the Amsoil.

 

[BTLew81]

Nothing much to say, other than for the price, I think, for my needs, an off the sheld product would suit me just as well, especially given my change intervals. I also kind of like the ability to walk into any old store and pick up the M1.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Tempest

+1

Please elaborate on the Amsoil.


+2

 

[BTLew81]

I know I should keep my mouth shut..lol Again, nothing BAD about the Amsoil, but just the fact that I would like to sample some off the shelf products. Amsoil is great stuff, no doubt, but I think I can get away a little cheaper and a little easier.

 

[hominid7]

I know it's not a choice given, but for my Mazda I've been very happy with Pennzoil Multi Vehicle ATF which is also a MerconV. The spec sheet shows it's pretty close to the OEM ConocoPhillips MerconV available at the dealers.

I currently have the Pennzoil in both my tranny and my PS pump and so far so good.

 

[bmwtechguy]

The newer Mobil 1 ATF is Mercon V and would work fine. It's usually close to $7 a quart around here, so maybe not much savings over the Amsoil depending on how you buy it. You did not mention your maintenance schedule, but any Mercon V product, even the generic ones will work fine at 3-3.50 a quart. As mentioned above, then retail muti-vehicle ATF's are usually at least recommended for Mercon V, and I have found that they work very well in those applications. I am in the habit of throwing a bottle of red Lubegard in when using these less expensive fluids during a flush and refill, but not with the full synthetics.

I gotta say I am impressed with the increased fluid life of the MerconV fluid over regular old Mercon/DexIII. I just recently serviced several RWD Ford E-250/Expedition, all with the 4R70W. These vehicles all had well over 100k miles on the original fluid, which did not look or smell terrible. All had factory or dealer-installed trans oil aux. coolers, which is probably a big factor here. These vehicles are driven hard day-in and day-out, and I was really impressed with the relatively clean pans/magnets. Shifting was good before the service, but probably a little smoother afterwards.

 

[Pablo]

Originally Posted By: BTLew81
I know I should keep my mouth shut..lol Again, nothing BAD about the Amsoil, but just the fact that I would like to sample some off the shelf products. Amsoil is great stuff, no doubt, but I think I can get away a little cheaper and a little easier.


Feel free to write openly. If for any reason you don't like the product, say so. Personally I am only an "attack dog" on people who just say/write stuff without using the product. I understand your reasons - and may only just make a few open comments such as ordering stuff is pretty easy, or M1 ATF costs as well but if you are draining frequently maybe it's not for you. I would never attack/criticize a customer.

Take "the Critic" for example......

no real experience with the product but will say/write stuff, looking to believe anything.....

 

[bmwtechguy]

appropriate name, IMO

 

[BTLew81]

I've not made a definite decision on what I am going to do as of yet. I'm completely convinced that Amsoil makes top notch products. I guess I am considering some alternatives. However, I am very aware of the quality of the Amsoil products I currently have in the vehicle.

I'm also a, "if it aint broke don't fix it" kind of guy, so part of me just tells me to keep using Amsoil and enjoy many trouble free miles!

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: Pablo

Take "the Critic" for example......

no real experience with the product but will say/write stuff, looking to believe anything.....

And Amsoil is ALWAYS the best, right?

 

[Pablo]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: Pablo

Take "the Critic" for example......

no real experience with the product but will say/write stuff, looking to believe anything.....

And Amsoil is ALWAYS the best, right?

Mike - I was mainly ribbing you because of YOUR name. The Critic is a classic name, for a theatre board. I never said Amsoil is always best, I'm just telling you keep an open mind and don't look to find problems where they don't exist.

 

[Doug Hillary]

Hi,
It seems strange doesn't it that a thread that does NOT mention Amsoil in the title is "hijacked" as a discussion on Amsoil products. This is indeed unfortunate - perhaps it confirms the Amsoil "oversell"!

Like Buster has said Mobil's gear lubricants and ATF are amongst the best in the business and in some cases are the best for specific applications!
I can confidently say this as I have tried them in many applications for many years. And my comparison tests alongside the Oil Companies who make truely excellent gear lubricants and ATFs (Castrol & Shell) confirms this

The Critic - IMHO you are totally correct as are others to challange the alleged Amsoil "superiority"!

Amsoil do blend good products they are just not "the best"!

Regards
Doug

 

[Tones]

BTLew81, I don't recall is this the 5 speed transmission? As you might know, the Mobil 1 would not be compatible with the 5 speed. I have used the Mobil 1 in my Tundra for 6 years with good success. I also have the Amsoil in my 5 speed Volvo and it loves it.

 

[artificialist]

The 5AT may need fluid approved for Aisin transmissions which is about the same as Toyota T-IV. In those cases, don't use Mobil MercV. Use Amsoil Universal ATF or the newest Royal Purple ATF.

Anyway, if your AT needs DexIII or MercV, use Mobil1 synthetic ATF with confidence. When my dad still had his Lexus ES300, it worked extremely well in his automatic transmission and power steering system.

 

[The Critic]

The 6AT is the only AW unit. The 5AT is the FNR5 transmission and uses Mazda M-V or Ford Mercon-V.

 

[BTLew81]

Correct...specs Mazda M-V. So, MercV, especially full syn, is fine!

 

[frank2009]

Maybe i'm wrong, but i remember reading a thread where someone stated that M-V is NOT the same as Mercon V, but is in fact "better" than Mercon V. A check of the Amsoil site indicates that their ATF meets M-V spec. I don't see that at the Mobil 1 site. Also, Castrol Import multi Vehicle ATF is listed as meeting M-V spec. I'm sure you've done fine with Merc-V, and others on the Mazda3 forums have been successful with it too. For my money, other than buying at the dealer, i'd want a fluid that is listed as meeting M-V spec. Just my opinion.

 

[badtlc]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
The 6AT is the only AW unit. The 5AT is the FNR5 transmission and uses Mazda M-V or Ford Mercon-V.


the Mazda M-V is also seen as Mazda V spec. The fluid the FNR5 uses is "Motorcraft FNR5 ATF." A specially blended ATF specifically for that tranny. Mercon-V is not an approved replacement.

The only other ATF out there right now that claims to meet that spec is made by Amsoil.