I have a 96 Pontiac Sunfire, 2.2litre with a manual transmission which calls for GM Syncromesh in the tranny. I would like to switch to a synthetic gear oil for the tranny. What weight would be safe to run in it? There is no weight listed on the GM Syncromesh bottle. Any info on this would be greatly appreciated.
synthetic tranny fluid
- Thread starter TGP
- Start date
- Status
Someone said that tranny fluid is 20 wt. I don't know what the weight is. My 89 F150 standard tranny used Ford Mercon, I saw the dealer put it in there.
ATF fluid is about the equivalent of 20 weight motor oil. I don't know what the GM Syncromesh fluid is. However I do believe there has been other discussions about this fluid on this board. Not to sound like a "prig" but maybe you can do a search. I'm sure you'll find some good info. I have a 2002 F-150 with the 5 speed manual tranny and it requires Dexron III/Mercon. I put in Schaeffer's #204S, a Dexron III/Mercon synthetic blend ATF and it improved the shifting tremendously, especially in the winter. It didn't cure the faults of the tranny but helped it a lot.
Whimsey
Whimsey
think more than twice about switching from synchromesh. it's an excellent tranny lube. in fact, most people switch to synchromesh in applications which call for other thin lubes (like atf or 5w30 engine oil).
also, i forget who it was, but someone recently pointed out that the latest synchromesh is now partially synthetic. it's no longer the same thing that pennzoil sells as snychromesh in the yellow bottles.
-michael
also, i forget who it was, but someone recently pointed out that the latest synchromesh is now partially synthetic. it's no longer the same thing that pennzoil sells as snychromesh in the yellow bottles.
-michael
Im pretty sure syncromesh is synthetic. I have heard that it is decently priced at GM garages. I know there are quite of few Focus guys running it in place of ATF in there 5-Sp trannys.
Eric
Eric
MolaKule
Staff member
GM's original spec Synchromesh has a 9.3 cSt viscosity, and it's a partial synthetic.
ATF's run around 7.5 cSt, which is in most cases is a 5W20 equivalent.
Any gear lube has more AW and EP adds than any ATF.
Go to the Virgin Oil Analysis section and see
http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=11;t=000104
and also do a search on ATF in same thread. There are blend and full synthetic ATF's listed.
ATF's run around 7.5 cSt, which is in most cases is a 5W20 equivalent.
Any gear lube has more AW and EP adds than any ATF.
Go to the Virgin Oil Analysis section and see
http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=11;t=000104
and also do a search on ATF in same thread. There are blend and full synthetic ATF's listed.
I run GM Synchromesh in my Ford Taurus SHO manual transmission(spec'd for ATF), great stuff! It cured my notchy shifter instantly.
Any "gear oil" would be much too thick and would cause all sorts of undesireable side affects. And ATF doesn't belong in a manual transmission in my book. Stick with the Synchromesh if your happy with how your tranny currently shifts an performs.
Any "gear oil" would be much too thick and would cause all sorts of undesireable side affects. And ATF doesn't belong in a manual transmission in my book. Stick with the Synchromesh if your happy with how your tranny currently shifts an performs.
MolaKule
Staff member
When I said gear lube, I was referring, in the context, to GL4 and Synchromesh-type manual transmission lubes, as I referenced the Redline MT series.
Some GL4/5 lubes, such as Amsoil's Series 2000, are ok for warm weather protection, but suffer from cold weather shiftability.
And anyone who has read my posts know that I generally do not recommend ATF in manual transmissions. There are MT lubes with better AW and EP protection than ATF can provide.
Sorry Molakule, I wasn't bashing your comments. I was referencing TGP's post where he said he wanted to switch to synthetic gear oil. I was just worried he was considering something like a 75w90 gear oil.
MolaKule
Staff member
Just trying to clarify and I agree!
Amsoils specs synthetic 5w30 motoroil for the GM Syncromesh trans oil.
2002 GMC TRUCKS SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 6.0L 8-cyl VIN Code U
Manual Transmission,NV3500.....GLS[2]*
1. SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil
2. http://www.amsoil.com/products/hdd.htm
3. SAE 5W-30 XL-7500 Synthetic Motor Oil
*2. GLS is a special gear lube, GM part no. 12345349 (5-spd).
2002 GMC TRUCKS SIERRA 1500 PICKUP 6.0L 8-cyl VIN Code U
Manual Transmission,NV3500.....GLS[2]*
1. SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil
2. http://www.amsoil.com/products/hdd.htm
3. SAE 5W-30 XL-7500 Synthetic Motor Oil
*2. GLS is a special gear lube, GM part no. 12345349 (5-spd).
Here are the full specs for your car.
1996 PONTIAC SUNFIRE 2.2L 4-cyl VIN Code 4
FILTERS
Oil Filter......SDF29
Oil Vapor Filter......N/R
Air Filter......TS87
Fuel Filter......GF258
Fuel Vapor Filter......N/R
PCV Valve......HV124
Trans......TF77, 3 Spd.
Trans......TF157, 4 Spd.
BOSCH SPARK PLUGS
SE
Wire......B09374
Plug......B4469
BOSCH WIPER BLADES
Driver side......B40922
Passenger side......B40917
CHASSIS LUBRICATION
0-4 Fittings, 0 Plugs..........LB
Series 2000 Synthetic Racing Grease
Synthetic GHD Heavy-Duty EP Grease
Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease NLGI #2
LUBRICANTS & FLUIDS
Engine Oil
Grade 1......API*
Series 2000 Synthetic 0W-30 Motor Oil
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil
SAE 5W-30 XL-7500 Synthetic Motor Oil
Series 3000 Synthetic 5W-30 Heavy Duty Diesel Oil
Above 0°F......10W-30
All Temps......5W-30[1]
Manual Transmission,5-spd.....GLS[2]
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil
http://www.amsoil.com/products/hdd.htm
SAE 5W-30 XL-7500 Synthetic Motor Oil
Automatic Transmission.....AF3
Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid
Fluids
Power Steering Fluid.....PS
Power Steering Fluid - Not Available Through Amsoil Click here for more information
Brake Fluid.....HB
Hydraulic Brake Fluid, DOT-3 - Not Available Through Amsoil Click here for more information
Clutch Fluid.....HB
Hydraulic Brake Fluid, DOT-3 - Not Available Through Amsoil Click here for more information
1. SAE 5W-30 is preferred.
2. GLS is a special gear lube, GM part no. 12345349 (5-spd).
CAPACITIES
Engine, without filter..........4.0 quarts[1]
Cooling System, Initial Fill..........11.0 quarts
Automatic Transmission, 125 (3T40) Initial Fill..........4.0 quarts[2]
Automatic Transmission, 4T40E,-45E Initial Fill..........6.9 quarts[2][3]
Automatic Transmission, Total Fill
3 speed 3T40..........9.0 quarts
4 speed 4T40E..........13.0 quarts
3 speed THM 125..........9.0 quarts
Manual Transmission, 5-spd Isuzu..........4.0 pints[4]
Manual Transmission, 5-spd Others..........4.4 pints[5]
1. Capacity shown does not include filter. When replacing
filter additional oil may be needed. After refill check oil
level.
2. With the engine automatic transmission operating temp, shift transmission
through all gears. Let engine slow idle in PARK for at
least 3 minutes. Check fluid level and add fluid as needed.
Do not overfill.
3. 4-speed transaxle does not have a dipstick. Fluid should be
be automatic transmission the level of the fill plug located automatic transmission the lower
right of the passenger side driveshaft.
4. Identification: Isuzu has a 7-bolt aluminum end cap, Muncie
has a 9-bolt steel end cap.
5. Identification: Isuzu has a 7-bolt aluminum end cap, Others
have a 9-bolt steel end cap.
TORQUES
Oil Drain Plug.....35 ft-lbs
Manual Transmission 5-spd Muncie
Drain Plug.....18 ft-lbs
Manual Transmission 5-spd Isuzu
Manual Transmission 5-spd Getrag
Drain Plug.....18 ft-lbs
Manual Transmission 5-spd NV
Drain Plug.....18 ft-lbs
CAUTIONS
CHASSIS
Do not lubricate ball joints if their
temperature is below degrees C -12
or damage to the joint may occur.
COOLING
When inspecting coolant, check it's color.
If coolant is orange, do not install or
top-off with green colored coolants.
SERVICE INTERVAL
http://www.amsoil.com/lit/g1490.pdf
- Status
