QS All makes/models vs Toyota type 4/ or mobil3309

[nicholas]

Hey dudes...
with the extremly cold weather I decided to buy/use the Quaker State all makes/models tranny fluid..., it is semi-synthetic

I left out 1 quart of mobil 3309 and 1 quart of QS, in -20celcius weather over night....., ya its cold here...,
The next morning I check them , the 3009 was like old honey being poured out.... the QS came out much faster and actually looked like oil should....,
For those that dont already know... toyota type 4 and 3309 are conventional fluids, or non synthetic base.....,

I kow because I called Mobil...., and one look at the oil sheet will also confirm this.

So 3 days ago I replaced 4 quarts of my tranny fluid (3309) with the QS all makes/models stuff.....

So far I am very impressed., the shifts are amazing, very smooth.....,
And the time it takes the cold tranny to shift to OD is much shorter...., I would say 50% faster than with the 3309 fluid...

I intend to do another drain/ refill in 5,000kms.....

The cost for 4.4 quarts was $22 Canadian.....,

 

[unDummy]

I'ved used the Pennzoil Multivehicle ATF in a bunch of vehicles. It is an excellent fluid. I suspect that the Shell, PZ, and QS are SOPUS clones. If so, it'll serve you well!

 

[flathead6]

A/W, who mfg. the transmission in my '03 Tundra, and Toyota, the producer of the vehicle, both say to use T-IV. Mobil 3309 is produced specifically to T-IV standards.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: We are in a day of specialized transmissions from the different auto makers. Most of these newer transmissions require specialized and specific fluids. none would deny that all of these transmissions are very expensive to replace. I'm far from the only person posting on BITOG who refuses to use any universal fluid. I will use only T-IV or 3309 in a transmission which specifically says to use only T-IV.
Yes, I know it's likely not synthetic...and I use mostly synthetic fluids. But, it's my vehicle and it's my money. Noone but Toyota or A/W will change my mind on this.

 

[nicholas]

hey flathead., thats cool man....
I was of the same thinking as well, but after seeing that mobil 3309 at -20c , I was very eager to use something synthetic,

the QS has almost the same viscosity at -40c , as the Amsoil fluid. only 1/2 the cost....

I will be happy to keep all posted on any positives or negatives using this fluid...., I will do a tanny pan drop and clean in a few months....,

After seeing a few UOA's on the toyota fluid..., after 12,000miles that stuff takes a beating, and the viscosity dropped 2+ centistokes at 100c, compared to VOA...

Propiatary fluids are just a way, the manufactures can rake in more cash-ola....$7/quart for type4 fluid....that is full conventional, is crazy...

They are ALL HFM fluids now....,

 

[LAGA]

My daughters Saturn Ion takes T-IV and I looked into alternatives for it and did not find any. Most universal trans fluids say recommended, not approved for, on the bottle. I think this is a case of being penny wise and dollar foolish. I think a regular flush of approved fluid is the key to long trans life. Good luck with your experiment.

 

[unDummy]

Approved is meaningless kickback for OEM specs.
When a major company recommends a fluid, they tested it thoroughly enough to meet or exceed whatever the OEM fluid.

BTW, 3309 was nothing but a HFM'd DexronII fluid. It is relatively lame. Glad that WS has come out. Too bad AW didn't back spec it for 3309 usage. This is where GM takes a step ahead of Toyota. Backspec'ing superior Dx-VI was a smart move by GM. Ford has backspec'd Mercon-V for their Mercon transmissions. Last I checked ATF+3 is also replaced by ATF+4 for all applications. So who do you trust? the automaker? or the fluid suppliers that know all the specs?

Yes, most fluids now are HFM and have longer life longer lasting additives(like detergents/dispersants). For those that maintain their own vehicles, there is no point in paying a surcharge for inferior OEM fluids.

The multivehicle fluids are an excellent choice for those that want to regularly maintain their transmissions without the hassle of a trip to the dealership.

Another option is to use fluid converters from Lubegard, Smartblend, Runrite, Gunk, VS7......

Feel free to use your universal ATFs. These multivehicle products, made by Amsoil, Castrol, Mobil, SOPUS, Advantage, Warren, Valvoline, Conoco.... have never failed the vehicles that I've install them in. I've seen MV/universal ATFs actually turned commonly troubled ATs, that would've failed with OEM fluid and maintenance intervals, into longer lasting units.

 

[nicholas]

3309 flows like molases in cold temps....., no thanks , In very cold climates a syn or semi syn just makes sense.....

especially in a transmission........., I am very happy with my change to QS (40% tranny capacity) , it is like I have a new tranny....., I intend to do a full flush after 5,000kms.
And I did a FULL flush with mobil 3309 about 13,000kms ago ......so its not like the excisting fluid was old and broken down.

Also a point to note, the bottles for mobil 3309 and toyota type IV are the same....,

 

[flathead6]

When the Toyota T-IV fluid was first available at dealerships, it was in a 4L metal can and came from Japan. The last T-IV I bought at the dealership came in one quart plastic bottles and was "Made in USA."
It is supposedly Mobil-produced and thought to be exactly the same product as Mobil 3309.

 

[todds21]

I get a case of T-IV for under 50 bucks from my dealership, that comes out to about 4 bucks a quart. Is 3309 easily found or online for cheaper than that?

 

[nicholas]

There is a mobil distribution center where I live....
I can walk in and buy 3309 by the quart or by the case, and xd-3 oils as well.....
3309 or typeIV is ok, it just turns to molases around -20 celcius........, which has been the weather here the last few weeks...

 

[Tracker8]

I recently changed the fluid in my daughters Saturn and could not find T-IV or 3309 ANYWHERE. Every parts place & dealer in a 50 mile radius said just use Dexron. Finally ended up using Castrol Multi-Vehicle ATF and she said it shifts better than ever.

 

[nicholas]

AHMEN brother !........,

Cast away thy crummy OEM fluid.....
The shifting is like butter......., my car is acting the way a true auto tranny should......, smoother feather shifts.

 

[Kestas]

Todd, $4/qt is about as cheap as you'll find ATF 3309.