Thickest ATF that is compatible in an older Honda

[Mau]

I find the Accord shifts are rough, it currently has Z1 in there as I have a couple bottles kicking around from a good deal I couldn't pass up. The other cars are getting Amsoil currently but I'd like to play with the Accord.

I only find the upshifts rough, downshifts are smooth.

 

[Michael_P]

I know we bash on Lucas motor oil additives, But the tranny stuff thickens up ATF nicely. Amsoil as you mentioned you use is a good thick one if thats what you want.

 

[blue94]

Both Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle and High Mileage claim Z1 compatibility and both are at the thick end. 8.0cSt @ 100 degrees celcius.

 

[addyguy]

Maxlife ATF, maybe?

 

[Mau]

Is Maxlife available at Walmart?

 

[blue94]

I believe that Maxlife is actually thinner now in order to meet DexIV. Which is not to say that it won't work well. It may work great because fluid viscosity may not be the problem here. It's just not the "thickest".

 

[Ken2]

Why do you think that higher viscosity ATF will be a benefit?

Clean the transmission with Auto-Rx, then put in any top quality fluid recommended for your transmission plus an in-line transmission filter like a Magnefine or SPXFiltran.

I'm presently in an Auto-Rx transmission cleaning cycle, and the transmission is smoother than when I started.

 

[Familyguy]

Originally Posted By: Ken2
Why do you think that higher viscosity ATF will be a benefit?

Clean the transmission with Auto-Rx, then put in any top quality fluid recommended for your transmission plus an in-line transmission filter like a Magnefine or SPXFiltran.

I'm presently in an Auto-Rx transmission cleaning cycle, and the transmission is smoother than when I started.


Why?

I can't claim to be a super expert, but I've probably dropped the pan on 200+ transmissions over the past few decades. I don't think I've EVER seen one that had any kind of build-up inside and most were squeaky clean with the exception of the thin film of clutch dust that settled into the bottom of the pan and around the magnet.

 

[PandaBear]

Castrol Import Multi Vehicle is a lot thicker than the newer formula Max Life.

Quote:
Why do you think that higher viscosity ATF will be a benefit?


Because older Honda come with ATF Z1 that's about as thick as Dex II.

 

[FusilliJerry82]

Does it spec a Dexron? If so, Redline High-Temp is about as high a viscosity as you're going to find.

 

[unDummy]

And DexronIII and MerconV where as thick as DexronII.

I don't still see an answer to the "why" question that was posted.

Some of these thicker ATFs will just shear quicker.

If you have rough shifts, best bet is to try new ATF and not play the viscosity game.

Higher visc usually leads to higher line pressure. What happens to your shift if your line pressure rises? Since thread starter is in Canada, what happens to the cold weather performance? MPG?

 

[Mau]

I am going to give Maxlife a try. I may even put it in to the RDX rather then going for the more expensive Amsoil.

 

[mva]

Maxlife ATF is actually quite thin and closer to DexVI than DexIII. Maybe some tranny experts can comment on which is better for a high mileage tranny - thin or thick?

Castrol has identical specifications for their high mileage and import ATF. So Castrol seems to think thick is good whereas valvoline maxlife AFT is a thin fluid:

Maxlife ATF

Vicosity at 40C = 28.2 cSt
Viscosity at 100C = 6.11 cS
Pour point = -51C

http://www.valvoline.com/pdf/Maxlife_ATF.pdf

Typical Dex III (M1 ATF Specs)

Vicosity at 40C = 36.3 cSt
Viscosity at 100C = 7.4 cSt
Pour point = -41C

Castrol Import (same viscosity as Castrol High mileage)

Vicosity at 40C = 36.6 cSt
Viscosity at 100C = 8.0 cSt
Pour point = -48C

http://www.castrol.com/liveassets/bp_internet/castrol/castrol_usa/STAGING/local_assets/downloads/p,q/pds_ImportMV.pdf

Castrol Dex VI

Vicosity at 40C = 29.8 cSt
Viscosity at 100C = 6.0 cS
Pour point = -40C

http://www.castrol.com/liveassets/bp_internet/castrol/castrol_usa/STAGING/local_assets/downloads/p,q/pds_DexronVI.pdf

 

[Mau]

I noticed something looking at the bottle for Maxlife at Walmart, it says for vehicles with greater then 120,000 kms. I wanted to give it a try also in my RDX's tranny and rear diff. You think this oil would be better then the Z1 in there now?

Also I am on my second drain and fill of Amsoil ATF in the Prelude, man its like a new transmission again! I feel like I've gained back lost power too(won't guarantee anything unless I did a dyno and no reason for that). I LOVE IT!

Here is the question, how does Maxlife stack up against Amsoil ?

Maxlife is only 19 bucks for a 5L jug, where as Amsoil is close to 10 bucks for 1L. Maxlife is easily attainable where as Amsoil I have to pick it up from a buddy who has a Amsoil membership.

Also does anyone have specs on Amsoil to compare to above. I know I saw it somewhere on this forum, tried searching could not find it.

 

[Mau]

bump...anyone compare maxlife and amsoil?

 

[nthach]

Type F...

/shudder

 

[FusilliJerry82]

Wait, your RDX specs ATF for the rear differential?

 

[Mau]

Originally Posted By: FusilliJerry82
Wait, your RDX specs ATF for the rear differential?


yup