I just finished installing my Mag-Hytec "Double Deep" trans pan and replaced the fluid with Amsoil "Universal Synthetic" ATF and when i was finished i called Jannetty to ask if they had an unrelated part and mentioned i just did my transmission and the guy i talked to (Not Ted) said Amsoil was not DC approved and "It does not have the right additives your transmission needs". According to the label on the container it is DC approved and everybody i talked to says it is, so... ... Is it?, anybody have any problems with it?
-
TDR Magazine subscribers receive more than the magazine! You also gain additional forum privileges!
Details here: TDR Privileges
Subscribe to TDR Magazine here: https://www.tdr-online.com/
Amsoil Synthetic does NOT meet DC specs?
- Thread starter EMDDIESEL
- Start Date
Attention: TDR Forum Junkies To the point: Click this link and check out the Front Page News story(ies) where we are tracking the introduction of the 2025 Ram HD trucks.
Thanks, TDR Staff
- Status
Bob Wagner
TDR MEMBER
amsoil universal ATF+4 meets the chrysler spec and it works great too 
Where's Don M
Where's Don M
I was under the impression that even Amsoil was admitting that they did not meet specs for the 5-speed. I may be wrong.
Several posts above said pretty much the same thing "
"I have been using it for about 5 months now and it works great. "
BUT JEEZE guys what YOU think about it - or what yer wife and dog think about it don't COUNT! NOR is it what the THREAD is about! It's not about "how clean" a specific transmission was when it was opened after X amount of miles - or how sweet it smelled!
What it IS about, is what *DC* thinks about it, and whether its use will endanger the warranty in any way!
"I have been using it for about 5 months now and it works great. "
BUT JEEZE guys what YOU think about it - or what yer wife and dog think about it don't COUNT! NOR is it what the THREAD is about! It's not about "how clean" a specific transmission was when it was opened after X amount of miles - or how sweet it smelled!
What it IS about, is what *DC* thinks about it, and whether its use will endanger the warranty in any way!
Seems both were asked. So my cats opinion does count. My cat says that not only did my transmission look nice and clean inside, but I notice a difference in transmission temps. With Amsoil the transmission runs cooler and takes much longer for the temps to climb up there when driving in lots of stop and stop traffic, in the rare warm weather we are having right now in the good ole PNW.
If they thought they could SAVE a dime they might...
But if they give ME a bad time, I'm gonna tell 'em my GOLDFISH think it's GREAT STUFF! 
But if they give ME a bad time, I'm gonna tell 'em my GOLDFISH think it's GREAT STUFF!
Does this help? From the Amsoil corporate website
Improves fuel efficiency, reduces transmission temperatures and increases transmission life. Provides unsurpassed thermal stability and up to five times the service life of conventional ATFs. Delivers maximum protection for towing and other severe-duty applications. Product Code: ATF
For DEXRON®III, MERCON®, Ford M2C138-CJ, Ford M2C166-H and Chrysler ATF Plus, MS-7176B Applications
Use where ATF is recommended in Mobile or Stationary Hydraulic and Power Steering units
Recommended for applications requiring the following specifications:
GM Dexron II, Dexron III
Ford Mercon, Mercon V
Chrysler ATF+, ATF+2, ATF+3, ATF+4
Mitsubishi Diamond SP II & III
Allison C-3 & C-4 and TES-295
Caterpillar Powershift Transmission TO-2 & TO-3
Voith Commercial Transmissions
GM Strasbourg (European Imports) and Opel
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
AMSOIL Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid exceeds the performance requirements for domestic and foreign automatic transmission fluid applications. AMSOIL ATF provides automatic transmissions, power steering units and hydraulic equipment with excellent lubricating protection and better performance over a wider temperature range than do conventional petroleum fluids.
Resists Oxidation and Thermal Degradation
AMSOIL ATF resists thermal and oxidative degradation up to three to five times longer than conventional transmission fluids do. It protects clutches, planetary gears, valves, pumps and seals from damaging sludge and varnish deposits. AMSOIL ATF helps prevent component overheating and ensures cooler, smoother transmission operation.
Provides Low Temperature Protection
AMSOIL ATF outperforms petroleum fluids in low temperature fluidity. In fact, AMSOIL ATF offers three times the cold temperature fluidity required by current automatic transmission fluid specifications. AMSOIL ATF provides easier starting, faster warm-ups, smoother shifting and improved fuel economy.
Anti-Wear Protection
AMSOIL ATF provides smooth shifting and long, trouble-free transmission life. In addition, the anti-wear additive package makes AMSOIL ATF an excellent lubricant in other hydraulic systems. In tests designed to measure wear characteristics under severe service and high pressure operating conditions, AMSOIL ATF far exceeds the requirements of hydraulic equipment manufacturers.
Extended Drain Intervals
AMSOIL ATF is formulated for extended drain intervals. Transmissions usually operate under severe service conditions. They are subjected to extensive idling, frequent short trips, cold temperature driving, sustained hot weather driving or trailer towing. When conventional transmission fluid is used, it should be changed every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. AMSOIL ATF should be changed at intervals up to three times longer than the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer.
SERVICE LIFE
AMSOIL ATF has an expected fluid life of three times the automatic transmission manufacturer's recommendations. Drain intervals may be extended indefinitely when fluid analysis is used.
TYPICAL TECHNICAL PROPERTIES
AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Kinematic Viscosity @ 100°C, cSt (ASTM D-445)
7. 5
Kinematic Viscosity @ 40°C, cSt (ASTM D-445)
36. 0
Viscosity Index (ASTM D-2270)
182
Noack Volatility, % weight loss (DIN 51581) 10. 8
Flash Point °C (°F) (ASTM D 92) 222 (432)
Pour Point °C (°F) (ASTM D 97)
-56 (-69)
Four Ball Wear Test (ASTM D 4172B: 40 kg, 75°C, 1200 rpm, 1 hour, Scar in mm) 0. 40
Brookfield Viscosity (cP) -10°C = 465
Brookfield Viscosity (cP) -20°C = 1030
Brookfield Viscosity (cP) -30°C = 2505
Brookfield Viscosity (cP) -40°C = 7150
Improves fuel efficiency, reduces transmission temperatures and increases transmission life. Provides unsurpassed thermal stability and up to five times the service life of conventional ATFs. Delivers maximum protection for towing and other severe-duty applications. Product Code: ATF
For DEXRON®III, MERCON®, Ford M2C138-CJ, Ford M2C166-H and Chrysler ATF Plus, MS-7176B Applications
Use where ATF is recommended in Mobile or Stationary Hydraulic and Power Steering units
Recommended for applications requiring the following specifications:
GM Dexron II, Dexron III
Ford Mercon, Mercon V
Chrysler ATF+, ATF+2, ATF+3, ATF+4
Mitsubishi Diamond SP II & III
Allison C-3 & C-4 and TES-295
Caterpillar Powershift Transmission TO-2 & TO-3
Voith Commercial Transmissions
GM Strasbourg (European Imports) and Opel
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
AMSOIL Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid exceeds the performance requirements for domestic and foreign automatic transmission fluid applications. AMSOIL ATF provides automatic transmissions, power steering units and hydraulic equipment with excellent lubricating protection and better performance over a wider temperature range than do conventional petroleum fluids.
Resists Oxidation and Thermal Degradation
AMSOIL ATF resists thermal and oxidative degradation up to three to five times longer than conventional transmission fluids do. It protects clutches, planetary gears, valves, pumps and seals from damaging sludge and varnish deposits. AMSOIL ATF helps prevent component overheating and ensures cooler, smoother transmission operation.
Provides Low Temperature Protection
AMSOIL ATF outperforms petroleum fluids in low temperature fluidity. In fact, AMSOIL ATF offers three times the cold temperature fluidity required by current automatic transmission fluid specifications. AMSOIL ATF provides easier starting, faster warm-ups, smoother shifting and improved fuel economy.
Anti-Wear Protection
AMSOIL ATF provides smooth shifting and long, trouble-free transmission life. In addition, the anti-wear additive package makes AMSOIL ATF an excellent lubricant in other hydraulic systems. In tests designed to measure wear characteristics under severe service and high pressure operating conditions, AMSOIL ATF far exceeds the requirements of hydraulic equipment manufacturers.
Extended Drain Intervals
AMSOIL ATF is formulated for extended drain intervals. Transmissions usually operate under severe service conditions. They are subjected to extensive idling, frequent short trips, cold temperature driving, sustained hot weather driving or trailer towing. When conventional transmission fluid is used, it should be changed every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. AMSOIL ATF should be changed at intervals up to three times longer than the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer.
SERVICE LIFE
AMSOIL ATF has an expected fluid life of three times the automatic transmission manufacturer's recommendations. Drain intervals may be extended indefinitely when fluid analysis is used.
TYPICAL TECHNICAL PROPERTIES
AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Kinematic Viscosity @ 100°C, cSt (ASTM D-445)
7. 5
Kinematic Viscosity @ 40°C, cSt (ASTM D-445)
36. 0
Viscosity Index (ASTM D-2270)
182
Noack Volatility, % weight loss (DIN 51581) 10. 8
Flash Point °C (°F) (ASTM D 92) 222 (432)
Pour Point °C (°F) (ASTM D 97)
-56 (-69)
Four Ball Wear Test (ASTM D 4172B: 40 kg, 75°C, 1200 rpm, 1 hour, Scar in mm) 0. 40
Brookfield Viscosity (cP) -10°C = 465
Brookfield Viscosity (cP) -20°C = 1030
Brookfield Viscosity (cP) -30°C = 2505
Brookfield Viscosity (cP) -40°C = 7150
Ditto's to the above post. I have run Amsoil ATF for over 100,000 miles. I replaced the sloppy stock torque converter and valve body and removed the anti drain back valve (actually James Northum did all the work). James just serviced the transmission at 121,000 miles, clean as a whistle inside, still shifts like it ought to when I bought it and should easily go another 100,000 miles. Anybody with a stock auto that does not do the upgrades and run Amsoil ATF is missing out on the truck's true capabilities.
Originally posted by dresslered
I was under the impression that even Amsoil was admitting that they did not meet specs for the 5-speed. I may be wrong. I lost the seals on my 5sp and took out the clutch. DC replaced the 5sp and clutch. When Igotmy truck back the service rep said don't put any more Amsoil in your truck. I have no idea how they knew Amsoil was in there?. So no more Amsoill
Last edited:
I dunno about that but...
A buddy of mine switched to amsoil in the engine, front and rear diff's. , transmission(5-speed), and transfer case. He did this in his 98. 0 around 30K. Before 42K every, I mean every seal and gasket was leaking. It was the damnedest thing I ever saw. I was a true believer since I had run amsoil in a few vehicles I had before, and I had never seen this. Now, I am a little gun-shy. He and I talked to an ex-dodge mechanic, and he told us the gaskets and seals that dodge and Cummins used that year were junk. Thats why they leak, not from the type or brand of oil.
A buddy of mine switched to amsoil in the engine, front and rear diff's. , transmission(5-speed), and transfer case. He did this in his 98. 0 around 30K. Before 42K every, I mean every seal and gasket was leaking. It was the damnedest thing I ever saw. I was a true believer since I had run amsoil in a few vehicles I had before, and I had never seen this. Now, I am a little gun-shy. He and I talked to an ex-dodge mechanic, and he told us the gaskets and seals that dodge and Cummins used that year were junk. Thats why they leak, not from the type or brand of oil.
Last edited:
Re: Does this help? From the Amsoil corporate website
Legit question - not trying to start an ATF war. I have a 6spd so really don't care
How does Amsoil determine that it's ATF meets ALL those specs? We know they don't persue API certification for their engine oil so I'm curious what they do for their ATF, gear oil etc. Also, is the four ball wear test really an applicable test? I remember it being a topic of discussion in the engine oil threads.
Again, not looking for a fight - just solid, sound logic from people with experience in this stuff. Not looking for "Well, my uncle's 2nd cousin has run it for 30,000 miles in his Buick Riveria so it must be ok"
Brian
Legit question - not trying to start an ATF war. I have a 6spd so really don't care
How does Amsoil determine that it's ATF meets ALL those specs? We know they don't persue API certification for their engine oil so I'm curious what they do for their ATF, gear oil etc. Also, is the four ball wear test really an applicable test? I remember it being a topic of discussion in the engine oil threads.
Again, not looking for a fight - just solid, sound logic from people with experience in this stuff. Not looking for "Well, my uncle's 2nd cousin has run it for 30,000 miles in his Buick Riveria so it must be ok"
Brian
I got a great real estate deal the other day - I now own the Brooklyn Bridge! I *know* it was a good deal, 'cuz the guy SELLING it to me SAID it was...
I hate to see these "discussions" constantly resurface too - but notice the wording below:
"Use where ATF is recommended in Mobile or Stationary Hydraulic and Power Steering units
Recommended for applications requiring the following specifications: "
Amsoils says "Use it", and "recommended" - WHO is saying "use it" and "recommended? AMSOIL the one SELLING it is, that's who!
Will Amsoil be the ones you take yer vehicle to if it needs repair? And when you DO take it to a proper warranty station, will THEY be properly impressed when you tell them you are using non-API certified Amsoil?
Watta YOU think?
Amsoil may be the best stuff on the planet - and that is certainly what *I* want in my differential and transmission when time comes to drain/refill - but I *also* wanna be derned certain it meets all warrany requirements CLEARLY outlined by DC!
For MY part, if Amsoil WOULD ever get that API certification I would probably be first in line to buy some.
But until that DOES happen, *I* will be sticking with the DC spec'd stuff or its API certified equivelent!
I hate to see these "discussions" constantly resurface too - but notice the wording below:
"Use where ATF is recommended in Mobile or Stationary Hydraulic and Power Steering units
Recommended for applications requiring the following specifications: "
Amsoils says "Use it", and "recommended" - WHO is saying "use it" and "recommended? AMSOIL the one SELLING it is, that's who!
Will Amsoil be the ones you take yer vehicle to if it needs repair? And when you DO take it to a proper warranty station, will THEY be properly impressed when you tell them you are using non-API certified Amsoil?
Watta YOU think?
Amsoil may be the best stuff on the planet - and that is certainly what *I* want in my differential and transmission when time comes to drain/refill - but I *also* wanna be derned certain it meets all warrany requirements CLEARLY outlined by DC!
For MY part, if Amsoil WOULD ever get that API certification I would probably be first in line to buy some.
But until that DOES happen, *I* will be sticking with the DC spec'd stuff or its API certified equivelent!
The API is not the guardian angel many people believe it to be. The API caters to the EPA by limiting the amount of ZDDP anti-wear additives oils are allowed to contain. This additive is very critical to the performance of modern lubricants. The EPA wants these additives controlled because as the oil ends up in the combustion chamber via blowby, it fouls catalytic converters.
The automobile companies pressure the API as well because the EPA forces them to warrant emmision control equipment for 150,000 miles. By limiting the amount of anti-wear additives allowed they are not doing the consumer any favors.
I use and believe in Amsoil products because they are superior to API-approved oils. They are superior because they build the best lubricant modern technology allows them to make. They do not ask the API or the EPA what they allow.
Warranty or no warranty, I will make lubricant choices that will make my truck last. I won't seek DC's, API's or the EPA's consent in this decision. When they start making my payments for me, they can have all the say they want.
The automobile companies pressure the API as well because the EPA forces them to warrant emmision control equipment for 150,000 miles. By limiting the amount of anti-wear additives allowed they are not doing the consumer any favors.
I use and believe in Amsoil products because they are superior to API-approved oils. They are superior because they build the best lubricant modern technology allows them to make. They do not ask the API or the EPA what they allow.
Warranty or no warranty, I will make lubricant choices that will make my truck last. I won't seek DC's, API's or the EPA's consent in this decision. When they start making my payments for me, they can have all the say they want.
I don't believe the API ceritifies anything but engine oil - am I wrong? What is the 'governing' body for ATF, grease and gear oils?
I specifically did not want to get into the "I believe Amsoil is the best -screw what DC says, I know better" type discussion.
I want to know how Amsoil PROVES that it is the best lubricant and how their product(s) meet or exceed the referenced specifications. If you can't answer this question please don't respond... ... .
Brian
I specifically did not want to get into the "I believe Amsoil is the best -screw what DC says, I know better" type discussion.
I want to know how Amsoil PROVES that it is the best lubricant and how their product(s) meet or exceed the referenced specifications. If you can't answer this question please don't respond... ... .
Brian
- Status
Issue 128 – Digital Version
Digital Magazines
FREE!
TDR Test Drive - Digital Edition
Renew
Subscribe
Gift Subscriptions
Back Issues
Subscription Status
Address Change Form
Buyer's Guides
Ram Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The Perfect Collection
The Perfect Collection Vol. II
TSB Updates
Dodge/Cummins Historical Overview
Cameron Collection
What Makes Us Tick?
Product Showcase
Advertising
Turbo Diesel Register
Issue 128 – Digital Version
Digital Magazines
FREE!
TDR Test Drive - Digital Edition
Renew
Subscribe
Gift Subscriptions
Back Issues
Subscription Status
Address Change Form
Buyer's Guides
Ram Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The Perfect Collection
The Perfect Collection Vol. II
TSB Updates
Dodge/Cummins Historical Overview
Cameron Collection
What Makes Us Tick?
Product Showcase
Advertising
