Should I add Lubeguard?

[dja4260]

03 Civic automatic w/72k miles, unknown trans service history. The fluid that came out was purplish with a tint of brown.

I did 3 drain and fills of Maxlife ATF fluid yesterday. I will continue to do 1 drain and fill whenever I change the oil.
(5k OCI)

Would Lubeguard be beneficial? Yes, no, Why?

 

[DrDusty86]

No additives. just good oil. just my opinion. Maxlife aft. it will be fine, additives are just bandaids
Dusty

 

[lexus114]

Lube guard is a good additive. And used by my ATRA shop.

 

[Boss302fan]

I use Lubeguard but not in Honda's... Maxlife is a good full syn atf and will work fine without LG.

 

[CharBaby]

Originally Posted By: Boss302fan
I use Lubeguard but not in Honda's... Maxlife is a good full syn atf and will work fine without LG.


Are you sure that MaxLife is a full synthetic ATF? I have heard this too but, nothing to substantiate this. I have also heard of MaxLife ATF as being refered to as a syn/blend. I have never read the label myself nor looked it up online on their web site. Can anyone corroborate this?

If it is a syn or syn/blend, I may jump over to PepBoys and buy up this table of MaxLife ATF that they have for $3.70/qt on closeout. But, I'll also check out other stores price per gallon to see if this is a good deal or not!

I'm currently using Castrol IMV ATF in 3 Asian transmissions: Nissan, Mazda, Lexus...Drain/refill only.

 

[CharBaby]

I found this on their website:

Product Information
A PRODUCT OF VALVOLINE
MAXLIFE™ DEX/MERC ATF
Valvoline MaxLife™ DEX/MERC ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) is the first fluid of its kind that is specifically formulated for today’s technologically sophisticated automatic transmissions. It is formulated with premium base stocks, unique seal conditioners, long-life friction modifiers, special anti-wear additives, and shear stable viscosity modifiers, among other performance packages, to fight the four major causes of transmission breakdown, including leaks, slippage, shudder and gear wear. Valvoline MaxLife™ ATF is recommended for use in most new and rebuilt transmissions and will not void new car warranties.
The Valvoline MaxLife™ ATF Advantages:
• Synthetic fluid
• Conditions transmission seals to prevent leaks
• Reduces varnish formation and wear
• Improves and maintains smooth shifting longer than conventional automatic transmission fluids
• Provides excellent flow properties at low temperatures and greater film protection at high temperatures
• Maximizes the life of higher mileage transmissions
Performance Levels
Exceeds the latest performance requirements of DEXRON®-VI and MERCON LV® fluids
Recommended for use in GM, Ford, Toyota, Hyundai and others where DEXRON®III or MERCON fluid is specified
Suitable for use in:
Ford MERCON®, MERCON®V, MERCON®SP and MERCON®LV applications
GM DEXRON®-II, DEXRON®-III and DEXRON®-VI applications
Nissan/Infiniti Matic D, Matic J, Matic K, and Matic S applications
Mitsubishi Diamond SP-II and SP-III applications
Hyundai/ KIA SP-II, SP-III, SP-IV and SPH-IV applications
Subaru ATF and ATF-HP applications
Toyota/Lexus Type T, T-III, T-IV and WS (except hybrids) applications
Honda/Acura ATF-Z1 (except in CVTs) applications
Allison C4 and TES-389 applications
Mercedes Benz NAG1 applications
Volvo passenger car applications and STD 1273.41
Volkswagen TL52162
Voith H55.6335.33(G607) and H55.6335.33(G1363) applications
Test
Typical Property
Viscosity @ 100°C, cSt
6.11
Viscosity @ 40°C, cSt
28.18
Viscosity Index
173
Specific Gravity @ 60°F
0.843
Pour Point, °C,
-51
Brookfield Viscosity @ -40°C, cP
8400
Flash Point, COC, °C
202
ASTM Color
7
Appearance
Red
Effective Date: 07/6/2010
Replaces: Rev 12
Thom Smith
Doc #-Rev 13

 

[Trav]

Running the new Maxlife transmission fluid in a GM 4T65E HD temp was 165F after 30 miles 60 degree ambient temp.
With Lubeguard red 1 oz per qt as per directions 162f same conditions 2oz per qt 155f same conditions.
Temp monitored while driving with Auto Inginuity enhanced GM.

 

[pbm]

Originally Posted By: Trav
Running the new Maxlife transmission fluid in a GM 4T65E HD temp was 165F after 30 miles 60 degree ambient temp.
With Lubeguard red 1 oz per qt as per directions 162f same conditions 2oz per qt 155f same conditions.
Temp monitored while driving with Auto Inginuity enhanced GM.



I have always been a fan of LG red and Trav's post reinforces my positive opinion of this product. As we all know heat is the enemy of the A/T.

 

[dja4260]

Sounds like good stuff. Whatever I can do possible to extend the life of the trans I want to do.

 

[demarpaint]

I use it. It has eliminated a slight delay going into Reverse on my 93 Aerostar.

 

[Boss302fan]

I have LG in most of my vehicles but not sure if it would be OK to use in a Honda transmission.

 

[Slick17601]

If you look at the other Lubegard threads....I believe Johnny reported good luck with Lubegard Red in his Elements.

 

[pbm]

I ran LG red in my Honda Accords BAXA (trouble-prone) A/T along with Honda Z-1 fluid and a Magnafine filter. It was still shifting like new when I sold the car at 108K. Trav's post on page 1 of this thread shows that LG red lowered the operating temp. of the transmission ...which is the key to long A/T life.
I would use it with Maxlife ATF in a Honda with confidence and without concern.

 

[Boss302fan]

Travs post mentions the GM transmission which I have in a few family cars. I also use LG in these cars but I am not sure it does anything for Honda transmissions. Now if Trav can test a few different Honda transmissions, that would be great.

 

[Trav]

The only Honda automatics i work on are in odyssey vans which are noted for iffy transmissions anyway. I would be afraid of putting anything in one or even the PS units on these things.
I have used Amsoil ATF in these without any problems long term.
I would also have no reservations using Maxlife in one.

In other makes i tried it on 2oz per qt seems to provide the most temp reduction but it gets expensive.
Not hijacking the thread but just another comment on the 4T65E.

Every 4T65E i work on get a Trans Tune accumulator kit, a Sonnax line clamp (one should really have been used OEM), 2 bottles of lubeguard red with synthetic Dex 6 spec fluid and a U.S. made filter.
Shifting is smooth and not harsh at all but the shift time is reduced from around 0.40-0.45 to 0.20-0.30 in a good functioning unit, combine that with the reduction in temp and it really helps increase in longevity on these weak units.

 

[Trav]

Correction i said TransTune it is Transgo. No idea why that name came in my head, probably looking at a bottle of stuff in the garage.

The Sonnax part# 84532-01K