Hey guys,
I just replaced my manual trans oil, and the mechanic that replaced my transmission back in March said he used 5w30 synthetic motor oil. After I drained the oil, the oil color is grayish. Is that normal, given the oil only been on it several months? I replaced with Mobile 1 10w30 synthetic oil. I been searching around, asking around and most people stated 10w30 would be ok to use. Would I be alright with this oil? It is on a 95 Accord h22a engine with an Accord trans.

 

You need Honda MTF. Get two quarts and drain and fill again.

 

right, and it's about the same price as the Mobil 1... but better suited.

10w30 will work fine. it has the same viscosity as the old spec MTF. Hondas recommendation though is to use conventional 10w30. I suppose that has something to do with the difference in addative packages between the two.

the new spec MTF is lighter, and still the better option to motor oil.

 

It is ok to switch to Honda MTF even though I have synthetic right now?

 

so long as you drain the synthetic out first...

I can't say I would recommend spending time and money trying to flush it out. should be fine.

 

I ran AMSOil 100% synthetic 10w30 for the last 4 years I had my 5spd Accord on the road. I am also running it in my current 5spd. It has much quieter and smoother shifts. I never have any leaking, overheating or discolouring issues. What makes MTF any different from a synthetic 10w30?

If your oil is a greyish colour that could be an indication of water mixed in with the oil. If there is a leak in the trans where water is leaking in then changing to MTF isn't going to do anything.

 

In my 95 manual, it states to use 10w-30. I used Mobile 1 and didn't have any issues. Later I drained and refilled with Honda MTF just because I received a couple of free bottles. Couldn't tell the difference between the two as far as shifting...

 

Honda always suggests you use their brand. The ATF is a slightly different color and they will know if you take it in for warranty work. I doubt if there is a difference. On cars this old, who cares. I switched to Redline ATF.

 

Oh man, I sure hope I dont have water leaking into my trans. I just replaced this used trans not too long ago argh!!!

I searched around and found most recommended either Honda MTF or 10w30 motor oil, the regular oil. I happened to use synthetic 10w30, so I am hoping everything will be ok. I will change it again by the end of the year and see what color I get this time. Hopefully nothing is wrong with this transmission.
Thanks all.

 

There could have been a little bit of moisture in it from before you swapped it in. Could have been during transport, did you happen to leave the transmission outside before you swapped it in?

I wouldn't wait till the end of the year to see if it's leaking. A water and oil mix doesn't exactly make for the best lubricant. You can check it periodically by poking your finger or a straw into the fill hole. Located in the passenger side wheel well. I'm sure you are aware of it's location...

I was just reading through my Accord Honda shop manual and under the Manual transmission maintenance section it doesn't mention anything about MTF..... Honda recommends the use of SAE 10w30 or 10w40 with an API service grade of SF or SG. in these transmissions.

Most of the new emissions friendly motor oils do not have these ratings anymore. Guess that's why they say to use the Honda MTF. As it doesn't have to follow the automotive emissions standards as it is technically a gear oil.

Mobile 1 and most other 10w30 engine oils, synthetic or non, have API ratings of SN,SM,SL,SJ. So they are not recommended for use in these transmissions. The AMSOil that I am currently using is the 10w30 Advanced synthetic Motorcycle Oil with API SG, SL/CF, CG-4 & GL-1.

Just thought I would bring that up for those who were wondering.

 

I have a 2000 accord 1.8s vtec I want to change my manual transmission fluid but I am unsure what to use could anyone help me out on this matter as I am hearing a few different types for various people thanx guys

 

Do you have the owners manual? It should tell you what to use. I am going to assume that is is pretty much the same as the North American 2000 Accords. People will tell you that you have to use Honda MTF.

As just pointed out you can use 10w30 or 10w40 if it is of an API grade of SF or SG. Not sure about over seas but it is hard to find an automotive motor oil with these grades anymore. However some 4 stroke motorcycle engine oils still fall under these grades. That is what I use in my 2001 2.0L Ford Zetec.

Reason that they do not recommend using off the shelf 10w30 or 10w40 automotive engine/motor oil is due to the removal of zinc and phosphorus. The transmissions where they do not burn oil do not fall under these regulations and the MTF is pretty much a 10w30 weight oil with zinc and phosphorus still in it.

I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure that's why...

 

Good info!

 

Thanks, I will replace to Honda MTF soon. So it is safe to switch from synthetic to Honda MTF, given that I have to drain out the old one, and of course there will be still a bit left in the trans?