What manual trans fluid to use?

[Guinnessmike]

I have read several posts about what manual transmission fluid to run, but most are for later model and/or AWD transmissions and there does not seem to be much agreement so I thought I would try to get a clearer answer that applies to my specific issue. Since I bought my 93' Talon ES, 100K miles (FWD manual trans) it almost always grinds when putting it into 1st gear unless I shift real slow or from 2nd gear, and it sometimes grinds a bit going into 3rd. My 1st thought was to try changing trans fluid but I do not have an owners manual so I do not know the correct oil to use and if there is one out there that will work better to stop the grinding. The general consensus is that I need 2.5 qts. of 75W-90, but of what manufacturer and is that the best grade? A lot of guys on the other posts say Royal Purple is the best...or it is terrible, AMSoil is great…by not recommending...etc. Can anyone set me straight?

 

[GSXSixteenG]

I use BG Synchroshift.

 

[DSM1G90]

I use Redline MT-90 .. better for turbo trannies, but can also work good in NT trannies as well.

I originally had stock 75w90 in mine but was experiencing some light syncro grinding, thus switched out to Redline which totally got rid of that grinding since it has a higher friction qualities than stock fluids and is the right vicsosity for a turbo tranny. Plus, it made it shift easier during the winter months being a synthetic fluid.

But, there are tonnage of fluids out there that others can chime in on and say that it works for them since this is a opinion based topic, thus no definite answer can be given on what to actually use.

I've seen other owners use stock Chevron 75w/90 fluids up to AMSOIL fluids with the same personal and satisfied results.

Just don't use these fluids in a Chrysler Tranny attached to the 420A motor. That tranny definitely needs ATF+4 fluids only.

But, if your grinding that bad, I'd call it a tranny repair needed due to bad syncros...and you have the F5M22 tranny.

Good luck-DSM

 

[2GbTalonGuy]

I use Royal Purple 80-W90

 

[AlaskanDsm]

Redline just came out with a new product recently called MT-85. People were mixing the MT-90 and MTL (?) and so they just created a new product to match this mix. I just put this into my car and it seems to help quite a bit with some of the issues I am having.

Some of the other things you could look into as far as helping the grinding would be to make sure that you have your shifter cables aligned properly. You can also replace the rubber shifter base pieces with the Symborski (SP?) kit that are CNC machined to remove the play when shifting. You can also replace the rubber shifter pieces on the transmission it self with 2 skateboard bearings each tack welded together to remove play on the cables. Lastly, you can rebuild the shifter to possibly remove any play for more precise shifting.


Shifter Adjustment (shifter cable adjustment)
$20-$35 Shifter Kit (metal grommet replacement)
Speed Source shifter cable bushing install (similar to skateboard bearing fix
Shifter Rebuild (disassembly)
1st Gen Shifter Mod (rebuild)

I have a Turbo car so I am not sure how similar the shifter and cables are in the N/T But would assume they are pretty similar if not the same.

 

[tsi4g63dohc]

I use bg syncrho , works great for me

 

[DSM1G90]

I have a Turbo car so I am not sure how similar the shifter and cables are in the N/T But would assume they are pretty similar if not the same.

Yep, identical with the cable arrangement, (I had a 1.8 with the F5M22 tranny and what a difference running that tranny with a much lighter clutch setup than the heavier, turbo tranny-like stepping into butter being so light) just that the "22" tranny is a lighter tranny than the "33" tranny.

 

[infini]

which ever one you decide to use, just make sure it is gl-4 compatible

 

[AlaskanDsm]

Yep, identical with the cable arrangement, (I had a 1.8 with the F5M22 tranny and what a difference running that tranny with a much lighter clutch setup than the heavier, turbo tranny-like stepping into butter being so light) just that the "22" tranny is a lighter tranny than the "33" tranny.

Ok. I wasn't sure but I was pretty positive all the components minus the tranny itself were the same.

which ever one you decide to use, just make sure it is gl-4 compatible

This is important as I believe the gl-5 is corrosive and damaging to the brass synchros and can even eat them away I thought.... Not good.

 

[MidnightTSI]

Jack from Jackstransmissions recommended the EVO MR Diaqueen tranny fluid. That is what I have been using. Any input?

 

[AlaskanDsm]

If I remember correctly, the Diaqueen is just the mitsubishi brand of the synthetic fluids like redline and such. So it would be of similar quality. At that point, it would be personal preference as to which of the fluids you would like to run.

 

[VETTE_50_TH]

Amsoil

 

[9!'clipseDOHC]

I had great luck with BG SyncroShift II synthetic trans fluid for many years. I am currently using Royal Purple Max Gear synthetic trans fluid and it is working well also.

Hope this helps!

 

[DSM1G90]

Diaqueen is just the mitsubishi brand of the synthetic fluids like redline and such

...and moo-goo PRICEY as well! Almost a Franklin a gallon and that's all the size they have-no quarts!

... AMSOIL is very good stuff - practically anything coming out of AMSOIL is good stuff..

True, any GL-4 tranny fluid will work ... just a matter of taste.

 

[92ViperRedGST]

lucas makes for smoother gear transistion

 

[Absit]

I used Penzoil Synchromesh, it was good.

 

[DSM1G90]

?...."was".....? Must have found something better than the Pennz ....

 

[LiquidX]

Redline MT90 mixed with Redline MTL

 

[Crushbone]

i use the GM performance syncromesh, no qualms here

 

[DSM1G90]

I also do the MT-90

 

[dsmdeliveryboy]

I use the BG Syncroshift and am not pleased with it, I will be switching to MT-90 when I put my new transmission in here soon. Jacks, Shep, and TMZ all recommended the MT-90 to me.

 

[Viva]

Hey guys question for yeah, i bought amsoil tranny fluid but where in the is the inlet and plug at

 

[spoolin ddub]

I use AMSOIL. John at TRE recommended to me Motul 75w90 over everything. Both AMSOIL and Motul are expensive . I have had no issues with AMSOIL thus far. I'll get an oils analysis done. The trans feels ####ing Great but the real results will be evident when the trans is tore down and inspected this year.

 

[DSM1G90]

fill plug is a bolt that is in the middle of the transmission across from the radiator. Drain, being a 24mm bolt, is located where the tranny is close to the bell housing. It's a flat, narrow headed bolt, thus a box-end wrench is the best to take this bolt out - no open end or crecent wrench is recommended.

F5M33 turbo trannies takes 2.2qts to do the required fill. With fill bolt out, you fill til the fluid comes out of the fill hole, then cap it off with the bolt.

Nothing wrong with AMSOIL Products ..... excellent stuff !

 

[Viva]

fill plug is a bolt that is in the middle of the transmission across from the radiator. Drain, being a 24mm bolt, is located where the tranny is close to the bell housing. It's a flat, narrow headed bolt, thus a box-end wrench is the best to take this bolt out - no open end or crecent wrench is recommended.

F5M33 turbo trannies takes 2.2qts to do the required fill. With fill bolt out, you fill til the fluid comes out of the fill hole, then cap it off with the bolt.

Nothing wrong with AMSOIL Products ..... excellent stuff !

Well i am a amsoil dealer and i whent to the refinery labs and checked it out. i drive about 1hour and 12 minutes to colombus to pick up my orders

And thanks btw man