Thread: ATF in D2 Manual

And just to muddy the waters further, the stuff I'm currently using, Torco RTF 75W-90 is thinner at 10*C than the Penrite Sin Manual Tans fluid 75W-85 which meets the MTF 94 spec, yet RTF is almost 2cSt thicker at 100*C as it has a better VI.
Motul Gear 300 75W-90 is thinner again, (VI of 222) and also thinner than Syntrans at these lower temps but I've never tried it in an R380.

This doesn't mean that the Sin will shift worse, as the FM's have a hell of a lot to do with the synchro performance, but it does show that there is more to a lube than just the SAE viscosity range numbers.

Hi Rick
Last changed almost 40000ks,I had syntrans in it.I wonder if it originally had ATF as before the last change it used to bleed red.
Only did a short drive around town,5ks.1 2 and 3 felt better already as I got back home.
Thanks
Andrew

Originally Posted by LandyAndy

Hi Rick
Last changed almost 40000ks,I had syntrans in it.I wonder if it originally had ATF as before the last change it used to bleed red.
Only did a short drive around town,5ks.1 2 and 3 felt better already as I got back home.
Thanks
Andrew

Could've been as generic ATF's are red, as is Redline MTL (and all of Redline's range)
Even Castrol Syntrax is red, but it is obviously thicker than an ATF when drained

for what its worth, ive just returned from a 1000'k trip towing 2.2t to dorrigo, back via glouster to sydney. ive just put ATF dextron 3d in my R380 and its SOOO much better to drive than b4. every gear goes in hot or cold with out fuss, even down shifting is neater. i also added a bottle of morleys ATF staibliser.
fair enough i have just fitted a new clutch assy, but it just feels so much better than the last LR service.

cheers phil

I now where you are comming from Phil as mine always shifted better with ATF but the old girl has too many K's now and I think she needs a thicker fluid. When hot the shifts are getting notchy so thicker is better but oil won't shift when cold.MTL I hope will fix both. Pat

Rick
Would this Moreys ATF stabiliser be worth putting in mine????
Went for reverse this morning,it fell in real nice,reverse then 1st nice,1st to 2nd relly good,2nd to 3rd,still bauking,but a definate improvement.3rd to 2nd really smooth,4th an 5th fine,but always were.

Thanks
Andrew

Originally Posted by LandyAndy

Rick
Would this Moreys ATF stabiliser be worth putting in mine????
<snip>
Thanks
Andrew

I wouldn't, not with a syn ATF.

Originally Posted by LandyAndy

Unless I get a NO NO NO dont do it before I drop the oil tommorow,I think I will try the ATF.
I dont think it will do damage in the short term,not doing HEAPS of heavy towing at the moment like I have in the past.
Has syntrans in at the moment,2nd isnt too good cold 3rd most of the time.
If Im to undertake a big trip will revert to the reccomended oil.
I do have the external trans cooler fitted so all should be good I hope.
Andrew

NO NO NO DON'T DO IT!!!

The ATF is all wrong!!!
MTF94 as a minimum is the way to go.

I could bore you with tales of woe re oils and trashed transmissions but take it from me that I've been there and got the T-Shirt!

I know MTF94 is hard to come by in Oz, I found it easier getting the dealer in Melbourne to agree to sell me the oil by the Litre straight out of their drum. We then worked out that it would be easier to transport if we just drove the car into the workshop and fitted it there & then.

HTH

M