Phat Corolla

Hey guys, I have been going back and forth on what tranny fluid to use, and how much and such. So...what do you all use?

BSQ

I would recommend Honda MTL. You will need approx. 2.5 quarts.

Phat Corolla

So...I called acura and asked what viscosity to use, and they told me they use 5w30. This is what I put in. Should I switch it out and put in Honda MTL??? Will it make THAT much of a difference? I will do it if you people feel it's necessary.

JL 74

Are you sure 5w-30? Call a couple more. Three dealers in the SF bay area swear by 10w-30 motor oil. Use Honda MTF to prevent any confusion.

KayOs

You should really use a thinner oil viscosity on the tranny. 5w-30 is an all season oil viscosity that is why most Acura dealers may recommend you use this. 10w-30 is a bit thicker. 5w-30 and Honda MTL wont really be of much difference. Wait until your next tranny oil change interval and put in some Honda MTL. It supposedly has extra additives that help in daily grind and wear.

Phat Corolla

I called the best Acura service dept in my area. They know their stuff. It's the Acura Dealer that caters to the rich people in the area. However, I will do some more research. I am hoping it's fine, cuz i dont want to waste oil..


[Modified by Phat GS-R, 11:14 AM 10/23/2001]

BSQ

I gave the incorrect name...it is Honda MTF (manual transmission fluid). FYI, it cost ~$3.25 a quart. Here is a picture of the Honda MTF.




I also found this Q&A information on Honda MTF:

Q. Why must I use Honda brand transmission fluid in my manual transmission?

A.Like the Honda vehicles for which it's formulated, the Genuine Honda Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) has undergone an exhaustive and exacting research and development program. When tested against competitors, it demonstrated superior lubricity in an actual Honda 5-Speed transmission. And even at -20°C, it clearly performed significantly better than leading competitors.

Genuine Honda MTF is designed for smooth engagement of the synchronizers in the transmission; this maximizes smooth gear engagement and prolongs component durability.

Always use Genuine Honda MTF. If Honda MTF is not available, you may use an API service SG, SH or SJ grade motor oil with a viscosity of SAE 10W30 or 10W40 as a temporary replacement.

However, motor oil does not contain the proper additives and continued use may cause stiffer shifting. Replace as soon as convenient.


One last thing, here is a link for changing the manual transmission fluid on a B-series Honda: http://www.hazone.com/howto/btrannyoil.htm

Phat Corolla

That was an incredible post. Thank you very much. i will now go buy some tranny fluid from honda.

JL 74

10w30 or H MTF should be fine. You can't go wrong either way. I had an older Accord and the owners manual did not 'suggest' I use Honda MTF, just any good 10w30. I just read the manual for my GSR and it suggests MTF but states 10w30 or 10w40 is fine too.

Phat Corolla

Well...I have 5w30 in there...That is what Acura told me to use. Do you think it's fine to keep that in, because I honestly don't know. I don't want to have to have my tranny rebuilt just because i used the wrong fluid.

JL 74

I am no expert but I think you'll be fine. Here is what I think why...the engine can handle a fairly wide viscosity range, the oil needs be replaced sooner, and is filtered.
The tranny fluid needs only changing 30-60k miles or so, it is not even filtered, so I am GUESSING that it is not as "PICKY" as the engine on what type of oil it needs.

jimbob

I'm not too aware of Honda's use of transmission fluid and it's standards. Seems like no one here really seems to know either. I know 5w30 will work, and a lot of MTF is actually just repackaged 5w30. Some others actually have proper friction modifyers in that oil. Sometimes, oil weight isn't everything you need to know about tranny fluid. Friction modifyers will help the gears and synchros work better by making the oil less or more slick depending on the application.

What I don't know is wether Honda's transmissions can benefit from proper friction modifyers or not. If not, then a good synth 5w30 is fine. If it'll help, then the right viscosity + right FM will help the synchros and gears engage more smoothly. The right friction modifyers can often even help old synchros from crunching as much.

owen_the_soyboy

I agree! much thanks BSQ!!!

alic888

Redline MTL, nothing else

Phat Corolla

Where do you get that?

Shmeek

I'm with you on that one. Though, the Honda MTF should be just as good.

Redline Oil Dealers:
http://www.redlineoil.com/dealers.htm


[Modified by Shmeek, 8:18 AM 10/24/2001]

BSQ

I personally would change the tranmission fluid. Honda specifies MTF/10w30/10w40 for a reason. If 5w30 was acceptable Honda would have listed it. It cost $10 or less to put Honda MTF or 10w30/10w40. I would sure hate to have my transmission start to act up because I didn't spend $10 to replace the transmission fluid. The decision ultimately comes down to you, but I wouldn't chance it.

Phat Corolla

Oh yeah, I am on my way to get Honda MTF in about an hour or so. I don't want to chance it. Shifting doesn't seem smooth with what I have right now either..