Valvoline Synchromesh MTF?

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Used to be called Valvoline Professional Series MTF .

New name is Valvoline Synchromesh MTF.

This stuff looks promising for folks that have a manual transmission vehicle that REQUIRES a GL-4 yellow metal safe gear box oil.

I found a MSDS for it here:
Valvoline Synchromesh MTF


It appears that it contains NO sulfides at all! But instead uses a polymer in its place. Interesting.

I haven't been able to find other specs on it though.

Anyone from Valvoline have the specific specs concerning viscosity and API weight?
 
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Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
Is it ATF thin like Pennz Synchromesh?


I would imagine it's the same as Pennzoil Syncromesh

Which incidentally has worked extremely well for me for many years in my Toyota Truck and my Triumph Spitfire with a Laycock de normanville overdrive.
 
I would I think it meets GM Synchromesh specs and very similar to Pennzoil's. I can't be sure if there are no sulfur in it nor is the sulfur level safe for yellow metal if there are no VOA or PDS showing sulfur level.
 
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Quote:
It appears that it contains NO sulfides at all! But instead uses a polymer in its place


And you arrived at that conclusion how?

The polymer replaces what, the sulfur? And for what reason?
 
Originally Posted By: MolaKule
Quote:
It appears that it contains NO sulfides at all! But instead uses a polymer in its place


And you arrived at that conclusion how?

The polymer replaces what, the sulfur? And for what reason?


Valvoline High Performance Gear Oil 75w-90 / 80w-90 GL-4 , GL-5

Here is a data sheet that gives more clues. Read what it states for GL-4 applications ...which has the asterisk and the bottom statement about using Professional series MTF (Synchromesh)
 
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This is what it says:

Quote:
*In synchronized manual transmission applications use:
• Valvoline Professional Series Manual Transmission Fluid or
• Valvoline Synchromesh Manual Transmission Fluid (available September 2012)


My interpretation is they are saying to use an Application Specific MTL instead of these gear lubes for use in a Manual Transmission, which is what I have been saying since 2002.

An MSDS tells you nothing about the total formulation. They have to declare certain components above certain levels for toxicity purposes, but doesn't include the whole recipe (formulation).

The "VALVOLINE PROFESSIONAL SERIES™ MANUAL TRANSMISSION OIL 508216" appears to be very similar to Pennzoil Synchromesh and the GM and Chrysler spec Synchromeshes, so I would expect it be to a 10 cSt-ish (approx. an API 30 weight) MTL.
 
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Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
Is it ATF thin like Pennz Synchromesh?


Pennzoil Synchromesh is a 9.5 cSt MTL, whereas most ATFs range from 6.0 cSt to 8 cSt, so no, Pennzoil Synchromesh is thicker.
 
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It's odd that Valvoline has not released a product data sheet that defines exactly what the specifications are for this product. Since it appears that the product has been available for at least a few years now, it is only a name change that is the difference beginning in 2012 it seems.

If anyone can dig up a detailed data sheet with hard specs post it here!

Thanks.
 
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Here is a PDS if it is the same MTL:

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

However, they don't give the part number in the PDF.

This PDS says it is 14.5 cSt, GL-4, MTL, which in the ambiguous API weight ratings, would be similar to a 75W90.

Here is a problem in my view:

Quote:
and for top up applications in GM Part Number 12377916.


That GM part number is for the GM Synchromesh Fluid, Friction Modified MTL, which is a 10 cSt fluid and a semi-synthetic.
 
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Originally Posted By: MolaKule
Here is a PDS if it is the same MTL:

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

However, they don't give the part number in the PDF.

This PDS says it is 14.5 cSt, GL-4, MTL, which in the ambiguous API weight ratings, would be similar to a 75W90.

Here is a problem in my view:

Quote:
and for top up applications in GM Part Number 12377916.


That GM part number is for the GM Synchromesh Fluid, Friction Modified MTL, which is a 10 cSt fluid and a semi-synthetic.


It specifically mentions "top up" applications for those part numbers, so I think that Valvoline doesn't recommend this fluid for refills of the entire unit. Whereas the top up probably wouldn't be enough fluid to change the characteristics of the OEM fluid fill. Probably 6-12 ounces won't cause an issue.

The 14.5 cst is just about the same as VW 501.50. which is
75w-90.

The fluid is also fully synthetic, and states it is FULLY COMPATIBLE with yellow metals bronze, copper, and brass. Most other fluids state yellow metal "friendly" which is a vague term.

This looks like a match for VW 501.50 (G50) Although it is odd that they don't mention the VW application. My guess is that they didn't get the approval of VW because they didn't want to pay for the tests to clear it.
 
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This VPS looks like a GL-4 match. Now the question is where do you get it and how much? I searched Amazon and couldn't find it. No luck with Google as well.

How about this other Ashland product through NAPA called "NAPA Premium Performance Gear Oil, 80W-85-90, GL-3/GL-4/GL-5"? It's recommended by Richard Ratwell from this website:

http://www.ratwell.com/technical/GearOil.html

Is it compatible with yellow metals? I couldn't validate this after searching through numerous sites.

PS. It's $5 a qt at NAPA.
 
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@gregoron:

Valvoline Professional Series Manual Transmission Fluid is IDENTICAL to Valvoline Synchromesh Manual Transmission Fluid, which appears to be available through a number of chain auto parts stores.


Same product two different names very confusing and strange marketing to say the least.



It is VERY ODD that big name fluid producers of GL-4 products in the USA seem to be playing some sort of weird easter egg game with this fluid standard. Why is beyond me.
 
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Thanks for that. I think I may have seen it at NAPA or OReilly's.

It'd be great if we can come up with a list of GL-4 compatible/certified transmission fluids as a sticky for this forum.

What do you think about NAPA's (Ashland's) Professional Series 80W-85W-90 GL-3, -4, -5 gear oil? Is this suitable for our VW manual transmission?
 
Quote:
Manual Transmission Fluids (MTL) Fluids containing MTL Application Specific Additive Packages with GL-4 Ratings

Choosing a Manual Transmission fluid can be confusing.

Many times there is simply a specification referenced and no information about the viscosity of a fluid at 100C, where the oil viscosity is documented at the higher testing temperature.

What I recommend you do when looking for a replacement fluid is to determine the viscosity of the fluid at 100C either from the manufacturer's Product Data Sheet or from a New oil Analysis or VOA.

After knowing the viscosity at 100C (212F), one can then attempt to match up the fluid to one or more of those below:

A. The four MTL fluids closest to a Kinematic Viscosity of 6.1 (About the same viscosity as a DexronVI) or so are:

1. Castrol Syntrans FE 75W,

2. BMW (Pentosin) MTF-LT-3,

3. Honda MTII or MTF 2.

4. Ford FML-XT-11-QDC


B. The next higher viscosity MTL would be the 7.5 cSt versions (About the same viscosity as a DexronIII)

1. Royal Purple's Synchromax

2. Ravenol MTF-2

3. Honda MTF

4. VW part number G052512A2

5. GM Manual Transmission and Transfer Case Fluid

6. BMW (Pentosin) MTF-LT-1, 2


C. The next higher viscosity MTL would be Castrol Syntrans V FE 75W-80 8.0cSt

D. The next higher viscosity MTL would be BG Synchroshift II 8.2 cSt

E. The next higher viscosity is Mopar Type MS-9417 MTL 9.0cSt

F. The next higher viscosity MTL would be Pennzoil Synchromesh 9.3 cSt




G. The next group of MTL’s are in the 10.x cSt range are:

1. Redline MTL 70W80.

2. Amsoil MTL

3. GM Synchromeshs’

4. Volvo MTF 645

5. Ford Motor Craft XT-M5-QS


H. The next higher viscosity MTL would be:

1. Redline MT-85 – 12.0 cSt



I. The next higher viscosity MTLs would be:

1. Amsoil MTG 14.5 cSt

2. Redline MT-90 15.6 cSt

3. Castrol Syntrans Multivehicle 75W-90
_________________________
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Manual Transmission Fluids

Again, fixating on a particular base oil or additive component tells us nothing about the performance of the totality of the finished product.

I had this list as a post in this forum but someone removed it.
 
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This is interesting. Valvoline synchromesh may be a good option for my older Toyota truck which wants a 75W-90 in the MT. Looks like Oreilly's has it -- I think I'll try it!
 
Quote:
Again, fixating on a particular base oil or additive component tells us nothing about the performance of the totality of the finished product.

I had this list as a post in this forum but someone removed it.


@MolaKule:

Just want to let you know that I DID NOT approve of, or ask to have that VERY HELPFUL viscosity list removed from my thread. I would like to ask the mods WHY that post was removed. It is information that is VERY difficult to come by and is accurate.


I agree that the API GL classification doesn't tell one all you might need to know but it is true that in order for a fluid to get a GL-4 designation it MUST pass the critical yellow metal test, with I believe a 1a result. This test is the ASTM D-130 corrosion test.

Contrary to what a lot of folks claim, GL-4 is NOT an obsolete formula according to API.
 
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