I recently acquired a 2000 Civic Hatch DX 1.6L 5 speed (no a.c. ) but which is probably better at this point.

D-series Engine runs well aside from minor exhaust leak from manifold (only heard in 1st and 2nd) and the fact that even new these engines have no torque once you get to 2nd gear (okay it can get up a hill but it's not even close to my old 88 Chev Caprice Torque and that only had a 307)

The transmission shifts well and is only very slightly notchy. Very Occasionally it has a slight bit of trouble grabbing reverse but if I just re-shift or hold it down lightly there is no trouble.

I'm wondering if I should change the MTF and what type of Manual Transmission Fluid I should use.

I know most people recommend changing the fluid even on older high-mileage cars, and that it is safe (the only unsafe thing being the fluid "flush" on older cars).

BUT, I have also heard discussion that sometimes the detergents in some newer Synchromesh FM or even in the newer formulation of the Honda MTF that sometimes the detergents can dislodge old clumps and debris that could then possibly harm the transmission, which wouldn't have necessarily been dislodged had the fluid not been changed.

IF the transmission was not behaving almost perfectly for a vehicle of this age and mileage, I would go ahead and change the fluid. But because the transmission is behaving fine with no grinding and hardly any notchiness, I am considering not changing the fluid.

As far as I know, the transmission fluid has never been changed and the mileage is 234,886.

I just wanted your opinions and also your suggestions as to what fluid to use on an older high-mileage transmission that is working properly.

Thank You Kindly.

 

I think the whole "unsafe to change transmission fluid", if it IS true, it regulated only to automatics. Even Honda says that 10w30 engine oil will work in the transmission in a pinch, but honestly that's what I and most people I know use and haven't had an issue. I use synthetic 10w30, but if you want to do it the RIGHT way, use Honda MTF.

Any metal pieces are going to get picked up by the magnet inside the trans anyway.

 

I would go with Honda MTF.

 

for 92-00 honda/acura products, i have only ever used 10w30, especially when in stock form.

 

Well that's sort of what was in the back of my mind. Is there some reason on a Honda this old (2000 and earlier) that I should NOT use Honda MTF or Synchromesh Friction modified?

I was thinking I may as well just start out with the Honda MTF, if I go ahead and decide to change it. But now I'm wondering if I should just use some 10w 30 motor oil rather than the Honda MTF since it's been reformulated a couple times in the years since these cars were manufactured...

Thanks for the quick input guys, any more opinions/suggestions are welcome.

Has anybody had a bad experience with the Honda MTF with this model year or similar?

Oh and this hatch is real smooth when bendin` them corners, one of the best handlers in this class I've driven, just can't quite get up those big hills like I want it to.

 

Then again haven't most of the regular motor oils been reformulated since the 90's because of environmental laws or some such?

 

The owner's manual for 96-00 Civic states that Honda MTF should be used, though 10-30W oil may be used temporarily, if necessary.

 

there's nothing wrong with honda mtf. plenty of guys run different fluids as well, with more opinions than products available. really want to confuse yourself? head over to bob is the oil guy.

 

Lol more opinions that products is too true. So nobody here thinks that the new Honda MTF has detergents in it that could possibly loosen old clumps of gunk left behind by the old 235k mile fluid, which could possibly damage internals?

Thanks.

 

always possible. honda mtf has been reformulated since 2000, probably more than once. if you're really that worried, don't use it.

 

I went with Honda MTF in my 94 RS after using nothing but oil for the 260, 000 km on the tranny and it made a world of difference in shifting, much smother now, and I also had a slight problem going into rev. but not since switching the Honda MTF. 94

 

For some reason I trust Canadians for the most part so I'll roll with the Honda MTF and report back a couple weeks after I change it and engage in some corner bending.

 

You really only have to worry about dirt and debris getting dislodged in an automatic transmission. New Honda MTF will shift much nicer, so will Torco MTF if you can find it.

 

Just did the MTF fluid on my '97 DX Coupe as I was not sure when it was done last. Not sure why the newer MTF from Honda would hurt your car, my motor and tranny are original and have over 336K miles on them. Just bought the car with 336K on the clock with the original clutch in it too, car runs just fine on the newer mtf fluid and high mileage oil I put in there just cause.

 

I had a mechanic at the local honda dealership recommend that I run 10w-30 and add a can of BG MOA oil supplement. I'm currently running this combination and it's magical.

 

Your scare is only referring to the automatics, 5spd should be fine to change the fluid.

Now.......as for the gears. Thats unsure for sure.