Redline MTL for skyactiv 6spd MTX.....

[badtlc]

I tried searching but didn't find anything on this fluid. I was getting ready to order 2 quarts of this Redline MTL (70w80) for my transmission that calls for 75W-80 GL-4.

I searched the interwebz and found lots of good comments but mostly from people using it in transmissions they weren't supposed to.

Anyone have any experience with this fluid? How long could one expect to run this fluid between changes? Anyone have any other 75W80 GL-4 recommendations? I thought about Amsoil but they don't recommend their MTTGL for 75W80, just down to 75W85. I realize the fluid probably would be fine but this MTX seems to be a bit of an aodd duck with its fluid spec and its small capacity. I want to be careful with it.

 

[SLCraig]

I do not have experience in a Mazda but I have experience with this fluid in my Honda, and I can safely tell you the Amsoil MTF is a better shifting fluid in my trans. I do not hate the Redline but when I do my next transmission fluid change it will be back to Amsoil. I am currently using the Redline MTL.

 

[JHZR2]

I would agree with SLCraig. Ive used Redline MTL in my ZF 1991 BMW gearbox (specced for ATF), and it lost shift feel quality pretty quick for whatever reason. Ive run the Amsoil lube for a few years now and no complaints.

 

[badtlc]

Are both of your cars spec'd for 75W90 or 75W80? Everyone loves amsoil but the w90 worries me. There is no history of people running heavier than spec'd MTF for these transmissions.

 

[djb]

I run Redline MTL and MT90 in my BMW e30 Getrag transmission. It has far superior cold weather shifting than the fluid in when I bought it (unknown green and thick, put in the by the seller to hide the 'Getrag rattle').

My friend runs Redline MT90 in his Miatas, and is very happy with the shift feel.

Redline is one of the few synthetic GL-4 rated fluids readily available. GL-5 fluids tend to cause surface corrosion to bronze, brass and copper.

 

[90crvtec]

Originally Posted By: badtlc
Are both of your cars spec'd for 75W90 or 75W80? Everyone loves amsoil but the w90 worries me. There is no history of people running heavier than spec'd MTF for these transmissions.

Just an FYI, Amsoil has two GL4 rated MTF fluids.

One is Amsoil MTG, it is a 75w90.

One is Amsoil MTF, it is a 5w30 (much closer to the 75w85 spec).

I think you can safely use Amsoil MTF in your car as it is "close enough" to the OEM spec. Besides, the OEM fluid has likely sheared away from it's original spec within a few thousands miles, so it has probably thinned out from what it started at.

 

[badtlc]

Amsoil lists the MTG as a 75w90 for my car: http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/mtg.aspx

EDIT: Amsoil doesn't recommend the MTF for my car.

And I'm sure this MTX does fine with "thinner" fluids. I'm concerned about putting something thicker than it was designed for.

I wish I could find out what the OEM fluid is for this transmission. I can't find anything on it.

 

[90crvtec]

Originally Posted By: badtlc
Amsoil lists the MTG as a 75w90 for my car: http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/mtg.aspx

EDIT: Amsoil doesn't recommend the MTF for my car.

And I'm sure this MTX does fine with "thinner" fluids. I'm concerned about putting something thicker than it was designed for.

I wish I could find out what the OEM fluid is for this transmission. I can't find anything on it.

The only input I could offer would be that most transverse manual transmissions are splash lubricated. There is no pump in the transmission to get fluid to the bearings or the gears. I always tended to go with a thinner fluid when possible in my transverse manual transmission cars. I assumed that the thinner fluid would splash lubricated better in all temperatures, especially after a long cold soak in the winter.

Either way, we're talking about minute differences in oil weight here. This is kind of like arguing the difference between 5w20 and 5w30. Is there a difference? Yes.

Is it big enough to have a damaging effect over a short period of time? Absolutely not.

I would try whichever fluid you feel most comfortable with and see how it runs. Give it 500-600 miles to season to the yellow metals in the transmission and see how it goes.

Is there something that you are trying to 'fix' with a new fluid? Do you want better shifting feel? Or are you just looking to try something different?

 

[badtlc]

I'm looking for just a bit better feel and something that I know is fully synthetic and will last a while. The MTX gets just a tiny bit notchy in cold and feels like it could be just a bit smoother with the right fluid.

 

[badtlc]

Ok, i ordered the Redline MTL because the site listed it for my car under their application guide.

Today I realized that the application guide only lists the non skyactiv 6spd MTX. [censored]!

Would there be any reason this wouldn't work with the skyactiv 6spd MTX? 75w80 GL-4 is all the manual calls for. I don't know anything about the types of gears or metals (brass, yellow metals, etc.)

 

[martinq]

Originally Posted By: badtlc
75w80 GL-4 is all the manual calls for. I don't know anything about the types of gears or metals (brass, yellow metals, etc.)

Red Line MTL should be a perfect match for this. I don't see how being a Skyactiv changes anything.

 

[surfstar]

MTL should match fine. If you're worried at all, email or call Redline - they're very responsive usually.

 

[badtlc]

Originally Posted By: martinq
Originally Posted By: badtlc
75w80 GL-4 is all the manual calls for. I don't know anything about the types of gears or metals (brass, yellow metals, etc.)

Red Line MTL should be a perfect match for this. I don't see how being a Skyactiv changes anything.


The skyactiv MTX isn't the same as the standard 6spd. It is smaller and lighter. On top of that, it has quite a bit of a smaller MTF capacity. The typical 6spd has a ~3qt capacity while the skyactiv MTX is only 1.75qt.

While both spec the same fluid, I don't know if the differences could affect fluid requirements.

 

[badtlc]

Originally Posted By: surfstar
MTL should match fine. If you're worried at all, email or call Redline - they're very responsive usually.


I couldn't find an email address on their site. Do you know of one?

 

[surfstar]

[email protected]

Found this mentioned in an older BITOG thread - might still work.

 

[ClutchDisc]

Originally Posted By: badtlc
I'm looking for just a bit better feel and something that I know is fully synthetic and will last a while. The MTX gets just a tiny bit notchy in cold and feels like it could be just a bit smoother with the right fluid.
I run Redline MTL, and I'm very happy with the shift feel. It's still a little notchy in cold weather for about 1/4 mile, but I think that's normal. Overall I'm very satisfied with Redline MTL.

 

[badtlc]

Thanks for the help everyone.

 

[badtlc]

Sweet! I got my 2 quarts of MTL in the mail over the weekend. $12/qt with free shipping was too good to pass up.

Now I just need to find a shop who will get this fluid in the MTX for a reasonable price.

 

[Greggy_D]

Isn't it an easy change? Two bolts.....a drain and fill?

Takes about 15 minutes DIY on my 2007 M3.

 

[badtlc]

I don't have ramps, or jack stands. Not really in a position to buy that stuff right now anyway. I'm hoping I can get a local garage to do it for $20.