Well after my swap I decided I would go on some suggestions and try running Mobil One Synthetic 10w30 in my tranny. After about a night of hard driving, my previously smooth shifting tranny began to get a grind between 2nd and 3rd. My first thoughts- typical Honda tranny, bad synchro. Well I figured I'd give the Honda MTF a try to see if that helped at all before I evaluated my options for the tranny.....
I changed it out today and the results were pretty good. Previously any shift over 6k in 2nd would lead to a 3rd gear grind, that is no longer (at least most the time).
My first shift at 8k was clean w/ out a grind The following shifts were pretty good too ( there still feels like a slight grind occasionally). I wouldn't doubt that I have a worn synchro, but the fluid change helped, and overall- even at low RPM the tranny shifts a little smoother in each gear. Damn synthetics
Just figured I'd share for those who care-
Brent

 

Time for me to go buy more Honda MTF Dont think the 1 bottle I have is enough.

 

I've yet to see anyone who would reccommend anything other than Honda transmission fluid.

 

the tracy dealer in town recommends a 30w oil..DO NOT USE A SYN...syn. oil is too slippery for ur synchro s to grab...slippery is good for motors but not good for tranny s..so say s my honda dealer

 

if your honda dealer is recommenidng putting motor oil in your tranny, you should switch dealers NOW
Honda MTF is the only way to fly

 

I've been using Mobil-1 synthetic oil in my last two Honda manuals. My first tranny (1992 CX) went strong for 100,000 miles before being displaced by the new GSR transmission (attatched of course to the new GSR motor). The new GSR transmission has got 20,000 miles on it so far, and not a grind (unless I miss a shift). I don't use 10W-30, though, I fill the tranny with 15W-50 Mobil 1, and top it off with 5W-30 (at almost 2 quart fill, this should roughly mix to a 10W-40). Neither of these transmissions has seen a drop of Honda MTF since the factory fill was drained.

I know Honda MTF is good, but Mobil-1 seems fine for GOOD transmissions, but seems to run into these problems like you describe in WORN transmissions.

Is there any long term testing out there by anybody else who uses synthetics in their trannies?

Shawn



[Modified by shawnhayes, 3:01 AM 9/5/2002]

 

I definitely agree- now especially. If you hunt around on this site you'll find people who use it with no complaints, thought I'd give it a try since I had about 3 quarts left over. I definitely agree that Honda MTF is the way to go.


[Modified by ill phil, 3:03 AM 9/5/2002]

 

Shawn- I believe you were in one of the threads I saw that recommended the mobil 1. I agree on the point of it being a worn tranny. I wouldn't doubt that my synchro's are still worn. They just seem to catch a little better now with the Honda MTF. From now on I agree with most that Honda MTF is the way to go, but dont get me wrong there are those who use synthetic and are happy


[Modified by ill phil, 3:04 AM 9/5/2002]

 

good tread

 

I've been using Mobil-1 forever. One thing is for certain. Mobil-1 is absolutely unforgiving in worn motors. It will leak like nobody's business around leaky seals or worn piston rings. The stuff is just slippery as warm snot. Ewww. Actually, it slipperier than warm snot.

As for worn trannies, one could presume that Mobil-1 would prevent the synchros from "meshing" to begin their job properly. Honda MTF is probably formulated to let them "clash" with a little less drama.

But, I have this bet too. Even with a worn tranny, and some grinding of the synchros, I'll bet the tranny will last longer with my cocktail of higher weight Mobil-1 than Honda MTF. The problem is, though, with MTF, they'll probably last 250,000 miles, and with Mobil-1 I'd guess 300,000 miles, but I don't know anybody whose driven one that far. (yet).

Anyone, anyone?

Shawn

 

One other solution I've had friends use successfully is Redline tranny fluid. Havent used it personally, but they all commented on the nice feel and smoothness when they switched to it. Probably going to flush mine and fill it with Redline sometime soon.

 

you never run on synthetic tranny fluid, it messes it up.

 

Back it up. My 100,000 mile tranny calls BS on you.

Shawn

 

Yep, no problem running HKS FF-Gear for me

 

i use neo mtf, work very well in my tranny. i downshift to 1st gear w/o grinding every lap at the 2nd hairpin in street of willow.

 

After the first post this evening I drove the car around all night and to our local Wed. night "meet". I do still think that the tranny is shifting a little smoother in low RPM and normal driving. Sadly I've realized that the synchro is definitely worn The shift to 3rd is a lot easier than before as it catches sooner with less of a grind but the grind is still there- that sucks. I'm still happy with switching the fluid though, I really do think it feels better. I can definitely feel a difference in that shift from 2nd to 3rd.
Shawn, Yeah you are right on the fact that there really isn't any proven lifetime of trannies with either type of fluid.
Overall,