Trying to decide between ATF brands

[flynavydiesel]

Okay, I need some big league help on this. I have gained a little knowledge and now have fried my brain on this one.

I am looking at the product specifications on AMSOIL ATF, Schaeffer ATF, valovline ATF and Mobile 1 ATF. From my pee brain perspective they are seem very similar in attributes. How do I figure this one out? I guess no one does UOA's on ATFs.

Thanks in Advance,

Drinkingmuchbeerwhileponderingfluiddynamicsinmybottle.

 

[White 03]

I think both Amsoil and Mobile 1 are synthetic and Schaffers is probably also. Schaffers and Mobile 1 are both Mercon rated and not Mercon V or dual rated.

I know even less about Valvoline.

 

[flynavydiesel]

schaeffer's is the only blend of that group. But what makes this decision hard other than price is when you look at the product specification sheets they are very similar. Either that or I can not read a spec sheet (which is totally likely!)

Oh yeah, the dual rating confuses me too. You are right Mobile and schaeffers are not dual rated, A no no in my ownwers manual. But I read on another board where valvoline was not dual rated until about a year ago, it was just mercon. So what is the real difference?

[ January 19, 2004, 11:52 PM: Message edited by: flynavydiesel ]

 

[Titanium_Alloy]

Hi,

As far as I understand ATF’s pour point, viscosity at -40C, and flash point are the most important factors to consider. Choice also depends on your application; does it call for Dexron, Mercon, ATF+4, or etc? People around here like Redline D4 as well. I've done some research comparing Mobil 1 ATF and Redline D4 and decided to go with Mobil 1 basically for the reason of keeping valid warranty. I posted some info here: http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=16;t=000711

On the end note: I think that all of above stated ATFs are great. I don't think that your transmission would last longer if you use let's say Mobil 1 instead of Redline or Amsoil. I personally don't think that Valvoline would be a best choice. If you want to safe some money go with regular Chevron ATF (it even beats non-synthetic Mobil ATF).

Regards,

 

[Whimsey]

flynavydiesel,
If you have a later model Ford with an auto transmission that requires MERCON ATF, Ford is very adamant about NOT using a duel useage ATF in these auto transmissions. Just use an "only" DEXRON III/ MERCON ATF. Mobil 1 and Schaeffer's meet that requirement. I have a manual transmission Ford that requires Mercon ATF. I swapped out the factory Mercon fluid @ 14,000 miles for the Schaeffer # 204S Dexron III Supreme(Mercon rated also). WOW

! What a difference in shifting quality! I would assume that it would be equally impressive in an auto transmission that required Mercon/Dexron III.

Whimsey

 

[Robbie Alexander]

Don't worry. Atf is Atf, some is better than others but it's not an area I'd bee too concerned about. Pick one that meets your specs... and more important is to keep it changed. Clean. Changed. Clean. Changed and Clean! and you'll be as fine as it gets... Oha yeas, also keep it cool... but if it stayes clean and changed well youre in good shape.