ATF vs. 90w - my results

While I had my car in the air this weekend, I decided to change the tranny oil. Since I bought it last year the shifting has been slow, especially in the mornings when it's cold. The 3rd to 2nd down shift was always bad, lots of graunching noises. Three teens learned to drive using this car, so I figured the gearbox was due for replacement.

Lo and behold, it was filled with 90w gear oil! I refilled it with AMSOIL synthetic ATF and the difference was miraculous! It shifts smoothly all the time, hot or cold, no synchro grinding, I can slide it in first even while moving (I could never do that before), and the shifts are way faster. It's like a new tranny.

Anyone wondering which oil to use in their tranny, I recommend ATF. That's what they're designed for and I gotta believe the extra thickness of the 90w slows the synchros way too much.

Tom

 

We use ATF. I'm a huge fan of synthetics, so I recommend them as well.

The drain plug is on the end of the tranny just inside the drivers wheel well, and filler is on the front of the tranny (facing the bumper) and about halfway up.

To change it, drive the car to get the oil nice and warm. Then remove the plastic undertray on the driver's side (10mm bolts), remove the drain plug (it's a 25mm bolt, or 15/16"-1") and let it drain into a pan for about an hour to get every last drop. Put the plug back in (wiping everything nice and clean beforehand so it seals well), and then remove the filler plug.

To fill it you'll need a funnel with a long flexible hose. It takes 2.7 qts., so pour in about 2.4, then slowly pour it in until it starts to come out the filler hole - that means it's full. Replace the filler plug and the undertray, and enjoy your smooth shifting Celi!

Tom

 

Sounds exactly like mine. It was such a blast driving home from work today not having to baby the shift lever. Sure is a lot cheaper than replacing the tranny!

Tom

 

Just so you all know, ATF is NOT MADE FOR YOUR TRANS! It actually lowers the life of your synchros and other soft metals in the trans which the 80w90 protects. I know there are synthetic 80w90's you can put in which I would suggest over ATF anyday. You aren't going to see damage right away with using ATF but it does not protect the softer metals nearly as well.

Other than that, you can use ATF I just hope you understand what you're getting yourself into.

 

Our transmissions are designed for ATF. Read the owners manual and tech service bulletins. In fact, most Japanese front wheel drive trannies use ATF.

I remember seeing this for the first time as a mechanic in the late 70s on a Honda Accord and not believing it. As soon as I drove it with 90w I became a believer - it was awful to drive and would barely shift. I've done tranny oil in a number of cars since and always use ATF when the manufacturer recommends it.

Tom

 

Just curious if anyone's changed from gear oil to ATF, and if you saw the change I did.

Anyone????

Tom