I have a 99 accord 5spd that I need to change the fluid. Anybody had a problem using anything other than Honda Trans fluid. I've heard it does make a diff and another said use Pennzoil Syntrans fluid. Any suggestions ?? Thanks

 

just use Honda oem mt fluid its the best

 

I've used Pennzoil Synchromesh and it worked fine

 

I've heard the new MTF is too thin. I put Mobile 1 10w30 in mine.

 

10W30 royal purple motor oil works great for me

 

-+Well thin doesn't have to mean it's bad. Honda MTF has been tested and proven to be the best fluid for these manual transmissions. If you actually think about it. 10w30 is still pretty thin compared to other gear/transmission oils out there.

I'll admit that I ran 100% synth AMSOil 10w40 in my '96 5spd for years with no adverse effects.

However, I have since learned that to run a regular engine oil in a trans isn't the best overall fluid. The new Honda MTF has friction modifiers and other additives that are no longer found in engine oils due to emissions regulations. So if you want to run a stripped down engine oil go for it. The MTF has all the right stuff to keep your trans running smoother in the long run. That is a Fact not an opinion!

I am currently running royal purple in my 5spd 2.0L ZETEC tribute and I don't care for it at all. It almost seems like I can feel every gear tooth in the shifter as I shift gears. Not a fan, I will be swapping it out for some SAE30 when the weather warms up.

If you want to run some old school SAE30 or diesel oils that still have the ZDDP and other additives they would also work.

 

I thought the same thing before I did a little more research. check out the chart below.



it's no wonder this is so easy to get confused because of the way they number gear oils and engine oils differently. anyway, 10W30 is roughly equivalent to 75w80 gear oil. so only slightly thinner than typical gear oil.

 

Yes 30w engine is = 80w gear (not quite 85w) and 90w gear is on the higher end of 40w engine. 30 weight oil is still thinner than 90w gear ......75w80 is on the lower end of what I have seen recommended for most car/light truck M/T that I have owned. This is why I usually run 90w gear or 40w engine oil.

Personal preference really, I still like using trans or gear oils over engine oils simply for the additives.

Honda lists both 30 and 40 weight engine oils for temporary manual transmission fluid replacement in the old days. Back when engine oils still contained gear happy friction modifiers.

 

Hi Bryanb,

We recommend our Pennzoil 10W-30 Conventional Motor Oil for the manual transaxle in your 1999 Honda Accord.

-The Pennzoil Team

 

Would you be able to tell the members here why Honda Motor Corp. no longer recommends the use of conventional motor oil in their manual transmissions?

I was told that due to emissions most of the beneficial friction modifiers had been removed and this is why most manufacturers no longer recommend the use of conventional motor oil for use in manual transmissions.