synthetic in transmission

[dewdo]

At 16,000 miles I had a diesel shop in Yuma, Az service the transmission. I pull a 15,000 lb fiver and was concerned with the temperature of the transmission on my trip from Washington to Yuma. The shop foreman suggested I have them put in a synthetic fluid since it would handle the higher temperatures better than the stock ATF. It cost over $200. 00 for the service and I have not had any problems with the transmission since then. (a year ago)

I now have 32,000 miles on it and it's time for another transmission service. Should I continue with the synthetic or go back to the mopar ATF? I plan on having Bill Kondolay install a TC and VB this summer if the war department's financial division allows it. Any suggestions?

 

[Archive]

This is rather an interesting situation you have here. If the converter VB swap will be performed within the next 3000 miles, I'd leave the synthetic fluid you're running now in it untill then. (Assuming it passes the standard driveway "visual and olfactory" inspection) Why pay for another $200 fluid change just to lose it all in a couple of months during the DTT upgrade? I would personally run the synthetic a little longer. I would also recommend that you inform DTT of the fluid temps you're seeing. Is your engine BOMBed? That's one heavy trailer you're towing.

 

[Randy J]

I agree with Topfuel. If you're going to be tearing into the transmission soon, I wouldn't change it. However, if you're not sure it will be done, better safe than sorry. If you change the fluid yourself, you'll need about 6 quarts. Not sure what fluid the shop used, but Amsoil is about $7. 55/quart retail, so you're looking at about $50 after filter. Might be worth it.

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Randy Jones, San Antonio, TX, rdj@gvtc.com, 98 1/2 QC, 4X4, American Racing BAJA's, 285/75/16, Amsoil throughout, Superstar 3000 export radio, Firestik antenna with fender mount, Fire-ring cable, Mag-Hytec Deep transmission pan

2000 VW Jetta TDI, auto, 45 mpg average

 

[inarush76]

What were your temps? Unless they are getting really high the fluid should be fine until the upgrades this summer. Normally synthetics can be run a good bit longer than conventional ATF unless the trans was only partially filled(pan refill only). Go into diplomatic negotiations with the war department and explain how the upgrades better insure a safe and trouble free outing without the side of the road smoke bomb, along with the more leisurely ride. #ad


DTT dealer and installer near Dallas.