pelayo114

iTrader: (2)

Every transmission I've swapped into my car or seen in other peoples cars always has some sort of gear oil. Now I've done research and looked around and learned that for the s20's its best to use 10w30, or syncromesh to not ruin the transmission. I was just wondering if anyone has seen this or if anyone knows what the point is or if its beneficial? Just something I've been curious about after seeing it so much.

egdro

well 10w30 is what the manufacturer recommends to put in, Synchromesh lubricates better then 10w30 for smoother shifting.

pelayo114

iTrader: (2)

Yeah I've seen that. Just wondering if about the gear oil and if there's anyone that knows why people like to use it? (Usually some shops from what I've seen)

beecee18

gear oil is used in many manual transmissions/gearbox and differentials.

gear/syncro/bearing/seal/packing design dictates what fluid you will be using and this always differs from the makes and models. The Honda trans you are referring to calls for Honda MTF which 10w/30 motor oil is the closest match.

Hell SRT4 manual trans calls for ATF(automatic trans fluid)

So to recap, just simply use what the service manual calls for.

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

Honda is not wrong when they tell you what oil to put in their own transmissions. It's all in the service manuals. They know best, I can guarantee. Older MT trans up to 1995 tend to use 10w40 or w30 while newer ones use the Honda MTF.

pelayo114

iTrader: (2)

I was just wondering because i recently bought an S20 b000 transmission and was wondering why i kept finding gear oil in there. Now my transmissiom needs to be rebuilt, grinds going into 2nd when its warmed up, hard to get into 1st, and a new ISB.
Anyone know of a good shop to rebuild it in/near the san fernando valley in socal?

94EG8

Generally speaking you find gear oil in Honda trans because whoever put it in didn't know any better.

Honda's current MTF is super thin, like water, and tends to kill bearings. 10W30 works fine in an S20, or better yet Torco MTF if you can find it.

Synchrotech and Gearspeed are both in Socal IIRC.

sde780

I'm a big fan of Synchromesh - I've ran it in the 10 transmissions I've owned

pelayo114

iTrader: (2)

From what I've researched its 10w30 in a good transmission, syncromesh in a slightly messed up transmission and torco for a severly worn one? Also heard that torco messes up transmission internals. Was wondering if it would even helpy situation since my transmission grinds going into 2nd, and rough getting into 1st. Not sure if i only need the 1-2 synchro and a new isb or if i need a full rebuild. If i can do this job myself I will. Still researching.

jbpnoman

It's possible to rebuild your own transmission, if you have the FSM, a couple of (cheap) special tools, and a very specific eye for detail and precision.

Shmallow

x2 this.

you'll save yourself several hundred dollars even after buying the tools and FSM compared to taking it to a shop.

jbpnoman

Oh hell yes you will. Master rebuild kit from Synchrotech for an S20 is $300. Those are some of the best internals you can get without going to a race-oriented transmission. Synchros, bearings, seals, whole nine yards. Only special tools you'll need are feeler gauges, circlip pliers, and a small press (optional, but HIGHLY useful). That's $50-$100, depending on the press you get. Add in a few quarts of oil (or Honda MTF) for $20, a tube of HondaBond for $10, and some WD40 or any other rust breaker/penetrating oil for $5, and you're done spending money (as long as you don't break anything, and you haven't fucked your gears or carriers).

The average transmission shop worth two ***** will want $600 bare minimum, and you never know the quality of the parts they'll put in your transmission. Any "chain" shop is going to charge you book time on transmission removal/install, plus labor on the transmission work itself. You're saving a shitload of money doing it yourself, and even if you've never ripped into a transmission before, you can do the job in 8 hours. That's a weekend of getting your hands dirty, with the gratification of saving money, and knowing you did the job yourself.

civicexkid1

iTrader: (1)

i ran the new ohnda mtf the silver bottel with green label in my s40 trans and it felt great for the first 3 months then it started to get notchey, i then went to chevy and got the sychromesh friction modified(ITS VERY IMPORTANT TO GET THE FRICTION MODIFIED; SEARCH ABOUT IT AND WHY) and ive ran it for 9 months now and its still smooth as butter and some people say it fixes or helps with a 2 or 3rd gear grind whicih may or may not be true but i recomemned it 10000x times the only problem is its like $16 a bottel so $32 for 2 compaired to hondas $15 for 2.

94EG8

That's just not true. Every major Honda/Acura transmission shop I can think of recommends Torco.

pelayo114

iTrader: (2)

Sorry for the late reply. Long weekend.
But based on the responses I think I'll give it a shot to rebuild my transmission. I have 2 s20 transmissions. A VX A000 and an EX B000. The vx tranny seems to only need a new isb and slightly grinds going into reverse if i don't hold the clutch in a few seconds. Sometimes its a little rough getting into 1st and occasionally 2nd.
The b000 is worse off(and the currently installed transmission) it is sometimes difficult to get it into 1st and 2nd likes to grind a lot after its been warmed up like say a 15 minute freeway drive. Going into 2nd it'll grind a lot. And i also hear the transmission sort of 'singing' anyone have any ideas on that? Worth rebuilding or just focus on the A000 and sell the b000?
I'm convinced i can do this job but I'm just wondering if i'll need a full rebuild kit or just certain components like for the A000.
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks again for all the help.

pelayo114

iTrader: (2)

Oh and i ran pennzoil 10w30 in the vx tranny and it was fine. Then i bought the b000 amd i used mobil super 5000 10w30 and it grinded and had the singing. Then i drained and put in pennzoil syncromesh from autozone and it helped the grind A LOT but did not eliminate it. It did wonders but i want to fix the grind and have a good transmission.