Not the usual Motor Oil vs Trans Oil thread

[ckouba]

Problem 1: My trans needs some fluid added.

Problem 2: When I check the dipstick, it looks like it's ATF and not motor oil. I obviously don't want to add the wrong one.

Actual question to the group: Is there an easy and definitive way to determine what's in the unit?

Truth be told, I haven't burned too many mental calories on this yet, but if someone has a good idea, I'm all ears. The only thing I am really coming up with is spilling a bunch out on a clean rag, or sending some off for testing. Not much in the middle...

 

[Suprman]

You can mix oil and atf. If you were switching between the two it would take several changes to get the majority of the other out. How low are you? I usually check with the trans up to temp running in neutral.

 

[ckouba]

I'm not actually intending to change between them, just want to get it topped back up.

I don't know volume-wise how much is out. Took it around the block after doing some work and had loosened a line to the cooler. Noticed a wet driveline upon pulling back in the driveway, so I tightened it up and checked the dipstick. I doubt it was up to temp (and assume it'd need to be, especially for ATF), so the reading might not be all that accurate, but it was down over an inch or so on the dipstick.

 

[chucky]

I'm not actually intending to change between them, just want to get it topped back up.

I don't know volume-wise how much is out. Took it around the block after doing some work and had loosened a line to the cooler. Noticed a wet driveline upon pulling back in the driveway, so I tightened it up and checked the dipstick. I doubt it was up to temp (and assume it'd need to be, especially for ATF), so the reading might not be all that accurate, but it was down over an inch or so on the dipstick.

As far as i know allison only recomends transynd in them if warrenty is envolved ! It stings the first time but everyone that does it say it shifts smooth like a car .

 

[Mullaney]

Problem 1: My trans needs some fluid added.

Problem 2: When I check the dipstick, it looks like it's ATF and not motor oil. I obviously don't want to add the wrong one.

Actual question to the group: Is there an easy and definitive way to determine what's in the unit?

Truth be told, I haven't burned too many mental calories on this yet, but if someone has a good idea, I'm all ears. The only thing I am really coming up with is spilling a bunch out on a clean rag, or sending some off for testing. Not much in the middle...

.
Best that you can do is guess - unless you spend a few bucks to have a lab analysis of the oil in your transmission. I searched (here) to see if there was anything new to be found. (No)

I found a 2005 thread about a company that I know still exists in Greensboro, North Carolina. Link for that is below along with a phone number. Cost at the time was very reasonable.

Engine oil analysis program

Received an engine oil analysis kit today. It consists of a sample jar, registration form , addressed postage prepaid return mailing package (larger jar) and a piece of tubing. The cost with shipping was $17.00 and it includes the analysis. The result should be back in a week or so (did this...

www.steelsoldiers.com

---

Another source is Blackstone Laboratories, Inc. in Fort Wayne, Indiana. You can search for them online, fill out a form and they will send you sample bottles and instructions on how to return them for examination.

To find threads about the process and others experience with their service, search with just the word "blackstone" in the SS search.

Just to make sure it is clearly stated: I am not an employee of that company. I get nothing for the recommendation. Just something I discovered in discussions here
and have used in the past. They will evaluate motor oil, transmission oil and gearbox oils. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION nor ENDORSEMENT.

 

[ckouba]

Thanks everybody. To summarize:

• There's no easy way to determine ATF vs motor oil
• Running a mix won't hurt anything
• Action Plan:
  • Warm it up
  • Check level
  • Add an appropriate amount of oil or ATF, either is fine
  • Get on with life
• If I change to full ATF, use Transynd

Sound reasonable?

 

[BERZERKER888]

As a side note.. Transynd is very expensive…. $500-$600 + filters….but, when my retran was installed , Momma Allision advised use only Transynd not motor oil…. As for shifting smoothness using Transynd, considerably better both up and downshifting… but… since the Transynd has a greater viscosity, it takes much longer for the transmission to “warm up”…

 

[Third From Texas]

I have an '08 and I'm in the same boat. The dipstick looks like ATF.

I've been tempted to pull some from the sample port.

 

[Mullaney]

I have an '08 and I'm in the same boat. The dipstick looks like ATF.

I've been tempted to pull some from the sample port.

.
That is the only way to know for sure - and - it costs less to have it analysed than to mix it with something else and wish you hadn't.

 

[Ronmar]

I wonder how 15W40 and ATF would compare in a visgauge at cold and warm temps? you might be able to narrow it down that way…

 

[Gunny 0369]

Thanks everybody. To summarize:

• There's no easy way to determine ATF vs motor oil
• Running a mix won't hurt anything
• Action Plan:
  • Warm it up
  • Check level
  • Add an appropriate amount of oil or ATF, either is fine
  • Get on with life
• If I change to full ATF, use Transynd

Sound reasonable?

uhm. I wouldn’t do most of that brother.
The SmeLL is different- oil doesnt smell like ATF.
I wouldnt mix the two-
If you cannot tell the difference, somebody did.
—
The two fluids have different functions.
( despite the apparent interchangeability, ie either or)

Drop it all out, flush, change filters, flush again.
Then add either or.
Im a OEM guy, and still use the stock motor oil in mine, and the AO up shifts smooth.
There are whole threads on this subject as well., most of the guys commenting here have seen the threads, In case you haven’t, heres a good write up, for an easy job.

Cheaper to go through full tranny service than replacement tranny... then climb them hills.

LMTV M1078 Transmission Fluid Change To ATF Write Up

Did the switch from the 15w40 engine oil in the transmission on my 1997 M1078 LMTV with WTEC II to ATF. Followed "8-9 Transmission Oil Filter Replacement" procedure found in TM 9-2320-365-20-3 page 8-32. However, I deviated from the procedure and did NOT remove the front driveshaft (WARNING...

www.steelsoldiers.com

 

[TomTime]

In case you want to change the fluid.

Good video on changing the trans fluid.