2001 EX 5 speed. Manual says SJ or SH MTF fluid or 10W 30 or 40 motor oil as a temporary replacement. But at the parts store all I can find is ATF. I wanted to go the synthetic route. On the motor all it says is SM compliant which the guy at the counter said exceeds the SH or SJ. I'm not sure if he is right?

Would Castrol Syntec 10w 30 or 40 suffice? The only thing that scares me is why Honda manual say only as a temp. replacement.

Much thanks to any that respond

 

Use Honda MTF primarily. Do not use synthetic oil in a manual transmission. It'll hesitate to get into the subsequent gear and grind gears.

 

Surely there is a fluid that is better than oem honda fluid?

 

The Honda fluid is nice. Also GM Syncromesh is very nice. You can find it at autoparts stores, made by Penzoil.

 

I ordered my HG MTF online. I haven't tried the Syncromesh, but I hear good things about it.

 

i did mines about 3 weeks ago and baught honda mtf