Suggestion on ATF... Should I just use Castrol Multi-Vehicle ATF?

[clarkerussell]

I accidentally bought 2 gallons of Castrol DEX/MERC Domestic Multi-Vehicle instead of the Import Multi–Vehicle. I'm assuming I should NOT use the Domestic DEX/MERC, right?


Domestic:
http://www.castrol.com/castrol/secti...tentId=7027043

Import:
http://www.castrol.com/castrol/secti...tentId=7028224

[svxcess]

.

I think you should be fine with the domestic product. Out cars used Dexron II (which was discontinued and upgraded to Dexron III and is backwards-compatible)



From the domestic multi-vehicle product sheet:

Meets DEXRON®–III H requirements. Also satisfies requirements of DEXRON®, DEXRON®–III, IIE, and II. Do not use this ATF in applications calling for DEXRON®–VI.

I believe the import product is a synthetic blend, designed for newer transmissions.


Someone correct me if this is wrong.

.

[Huskymaniac]

I don't know much about the Castrol products but synthetic has few downsides and many upsides. I know svxfiles like BG products. I like Redline. Synthetic fluids have the following advantages:

1. Higher viscosity index. This allows the product to flow better at low temperatures and the most commonly accepted shortcoming of this tranny is a lack of flow. The high index also allows it to remain effective at high temperatures.
2. Higher flash point. The related effect is that the fluid oxidizes slower at elevated temperatures so it remains effective over a longer period of time. The other common concern with this tranny is elevated operating temperature. Synthetics are less sucesptible to this.
3. Higher gas mileage. If you use synthetics in both the tranny and the differentials you should see a slight increase in gas mileage due to reduced friction.
4. Better heat transfer. This is a benefit of ester based synthetics which I know Redline is one. Esters wet metal surfaces which allows heat to be conducted away more efficiently. Again, this helps keep temperatures down.

Synthetics have the following disadvantage:

1. They have an inherent cleaning ability. If the tranny was ever neglected to the point where the ATF severely degraded and deposited crud on the seals, you could cause leaks by using a synthetic. The synthetic fluid will clean off the crud and expose the seal. If the seal had been coated for a long time it will have dried out due to a lack of contact with oil. That causes it to also shrink and lose its sealing ability. One of the nice feature of esters is that they are also seal conditioners. If the seals aren't too far gone they will eventually swell back to their orignal shape and the leak will go away.

[Hondasucks]

I'd recommend the Subaru ATF-HP fluid, it's someone spendy (I think it's $7.99 a quart retail) but it will work in the 4EAT. It's the fluid that the 5EAT and 4DAT (Direct 4AT) require but it is backwards compatible with the 4EAT and actually improves its operation. We use it exclusively in Subarus at my dealership when we do a transmission fluid exchange.

[clarkerussell]

How many quarts of tranny fluid are required for a full flush? I did a drain and I extracted a total of 7 Quarts, but I'm pretty sure there is a lot more, right?

[Huskymaniac]

Originally Posted by clarkerussell

How many quarts of tranny fluid are required for a full flush? I did a drain and I extracted a total of 7 Quarts, but I'm pretty sure there is a lot more, right?

Only 3 more quarts. You got a pretty good drain. Just do that a little more often than you would with a full flush and all is good.

[torxxx]

System holds 10.8 Quarts bone dry (which you'll never get without splitting the case and draining the TQC) refills I've put between 5.5 and 7.5 quarts in after a drain/flush/filter change etc.

I would stick with ATF 3 Dex/Merc. Thats what is recommended for these trans. I'm running ATF +4 in mine (just synthetic version of 3) because it seems to last longer without burning, cleans better and shifts smoother. But that is with a late 98 Forester 4.44 EAT in mine.

TBH, stay with cheap. Napa brand ATF 3 Dex/Merc