YANK torque converters No Synthetic!

[Jim Allen]

There might be something to what the Yank guy said.

He's only talking about the lockup clutch. Synthetic oils can effect the friction coefficient of clutch linings, generally decreasing the cof. Not a wear issue but a performance one. Just like back in the day, different fluids were used to effect how hard the auto trans clutches grabbed... the B&M blue fluid for example, or using Type F in GM or Chrysler transmissions. I think the gist of what he is saying is that the fluid must be tailored to the clutch material, or vice versa, to get the designed performance.

Of course one could ask why they are not using a lining more compatible with syn fluid? Maybe they haven't found a combination that works the way they want, or they have something that works and prefer not to switch (or don't want to spend the R&D money).

Still:

"When he dies, they can give him an enema and bury him in a match box....."

That was classic! Needlessly harsh, Trooper, but classic!

 

[unDummy]

But, there are full synthetic DexII and Type-F ATFs available...

They just took the word "synthetic" and are slamming it like some other manufacturers with NO REAL REASON OR DOCUMENTED TESTING.

So, if your pathetic clutch material is so picky about ATF, how good can it be when 'stressed' a little? when heated a little? when run in unfiltered ATF? when run with completely sheared and oxidized ATF? &^%$ing LAME!

The aftermarket is not the OE. They should be using the best materials available since the cost is usually exorbitant. And, if they are so advanced, then maybe the material choice should be left up to the buyer for matching ATF selection.

Can you imagine if Redline, Amsoil, Mobil 1, Royalpurple..... said not to use the full synthetic motor oil in extended oil change intervals, or with turbos or superchargers..... there is a difference between spending $2 for a quart of oil and $10 for a quart. The same should be applied to ALL so-called aftermarket performance improvement products. Pay more and expect more.

While you're at it, maybe you just shouldn't stress that Yank TC lockup clutch with excessive HP

 

[AzFireGuy79]

Decided to send one final email explaining that if you were to use a racing fluid like Type F for example it should not matter what the base oil is. I also asked for some data to back up his claims. He does not seem to know oil very well to say the least

Part 3-
Sorry you do not get to see the failed converter clutches as we do and testing shows in most cases it was a fluid related problem.
Well it looks like you will have to get a data base built up, but I will not give out our data that cost us many $ to generate to some one I do not know.
Mike

 

[Johnny]

Then HIS data is not worth the paper it is written on. Or should I say his opinion is not worth the paper it is written on.

 

[Jim Allen]

Originally Posted By: AzFireGuy79
Decided to send one final email explaining that if you were to use a racing fluid like Type F for example it should not matter what the base oil is. I also asked for some data to back up his claims. He does not seem to know oil very well to say the least

Part 3-
Sorry you do not get to see the failed converter clutches as we do and testing shows in most cases it was a fluid related problem.
Well it looks like you will have to get a data base built up, but I will not give out our data that cost us many $ to generate to some one I do not know.
Mike


Well, that's about the silliest thing I've heard in a coupla days. I guess I don't blame him for not sharing test data (for the reason he stated) but any competent technical person could have summarized it. Like you said, it makes you wonder if it's really data, or opinion. Reminds me of the axle builders that claim they see ring & pinion failures on synthetic but not on conventional, but can't come up with anything concrete to explain why, when or how.

 

[AzFireGuy79]

Yeah makes zero sense. Just talked to Carl Rossler today of ROSSLER transmissions and asked about fluids he prefers. He said there is absolutely no issue running a synthetic in any of his stuff, just that you need to watch out for overly viscous atf in electronic transmissions which makes sense. He also added that even at my level(about 950rwhp) there is no need for anything more than Dex III or VI my choice. Very nice guy and well known for his "terminator" series of transmissions.

 

[Colt45ws]

I agree with UnDummy, 100%.
IMO, they are having clutch failures, and if you are using synthetic it gives them a reason to void the warranty wether it was the syn or defect.

 

[Whitewolf]

Probably closer to the truth!

 

[Kaboomba]

My ol Buick w/ 4T60E has 40K on the Scheaffer 204SAT Full Synthetic fluid, and it is working beautifully and EXACTLY the same now as when the fluid was installed.

There was a noticeable improvement in shifting speed and smoothness when going from dino to syn ATF at 44K mi on OD.

Today the transmission is running DEAD-NUTS-ON IDENTICAL to Day #2 of its life with 204SAT.

There are plenty of others with similar stories.

 

[Colt45ws]

Yes, the SAT is good stuff.