Has anybody tried using Synthetic Transmission fluid in their AT or tiptronics?

Did you find any benefit? Is it worth the extra expense? What did you use?

I'm thinking of getting some put in the car today. Just wondering whether it's worth the effort.

Why are you changing your transmission fluid anyway? I assume it's your magna you're going to do it to.

As for mineral vs synthetic, you'll always get better performance with a synthetic oil and is generall worth the extra expense, but syn draws a higher price and sometimes very much higher. So apart from the technical consideration theres the economic one.

Outcome is purely an individual evaluation, dependent upon how much weight one places on each criteria where both are trade off of other.

I was talking to a mechanic friend last night and he reckons the service centres don't change the transmission fluids often enough. He thinks they should be changed twice as often, including engine oils.
He had a quick look at the tranny fluid and it's turning brown. So I'd like to get it changed cos I've got a couple of long drives this weekend. Canberra tomorrow, and the central coast cruise on Sunday.

I understand that synthetic is more expensive. I don't really mind that. Does it void the warranty if you don't use a proper Mitsu fluid? I'm assuming the synthetic fluid will exceed the requirements of Mitsu.

.... Does it void the warranty if you don't use a proper Mitsu fluid? I'm assuming the synthetic fluid will exceed the requirements of Mitsu.
Good Point, I'm sure I saw a transmision spec for oil in there. Please check and see if an oil specification & grade is nominated. That implys that you're allowed to put in an equivalent be it mineral or synthetic.

Some cars (Honda Civic) use a special brewed Honda-Civic-Only synthetic trans oil (and is not to be changed for life of vehicle) so the trans oil specification is not mentioned in manual.

Just a quick side note: (not to sure about transmission fluid) but synthetic oils are still mineral based, they just have synthetic solutions mixed in with them to make them higher performing. :D

More to the point of this topic, wasn't there talk a while ago on these forums that the Mitsubishi automatic/tip-tronics are very sensative to the type of fluid used, as in they require a certain type otherwise they don't operate propperly???? :P

Just a quick side note: (not to sure about transmission fluid) but synthetic oils are still mineral based, they just have synthetic solutions mixed in with them to make them higher performing. :D

More to the point of this topic, wasn't there talk a while ago on these forums that the Mitsubishi automatic/tip-tronics are very sensative to the type of fluid used, as in they require a certain type otherwise they don't operate propperly???? :P
Mineral base oils with addition are classed Semi-Synthetics. Synthetics shouldn't have any mineral content at all.

Good point on using equivalents, have to check the magna manual on this one.

Oils are supplied in std. grades and meet certain performance criterias (std) based on standard specifications be it mineral or synthetic. Synthetic generally display better technical properties (higher flash point, lower oxidation rates...etc).

if any of these stds grades/spec are called up in owners manual, you can use equipvalent oil with same spec.

Mineral base oils with addition are classed Semi-Synthetics. Synthetics shouldn't have any mineral content at all.

Well I was told by a person that works for Oleon (Lubriactions company,makes oils and other industrial chemicals) that there is no such thing as a fully synthetic oil, they are called fully synthetic but still have the main ingredient of mineral oil.

Now I don't see what he has to gain out of telling me lies as he is a good friend of mine :D

No probs. :) I say its definition of terms. Fully synthetic oils do exist - as in no mineral content. What your friend is describing is technicallys semi-synthetic.

hey guys,

i have cut and pasted a thred (cause i don't know how to link it) from the pajero club website. these guys are talking about the INVECS II gear box in the paj which i think is the same as in the magna.

Same subject, re the synthetic gearbox oils.
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Hi All

I contacted AMSOIL in the US recently and they gave me the following details for getting AMSOIL in Australia; the contact is a bloke called Bill Reid from Victoria and his email address is aerolexus@net2000.com.au

He will accept email orders and despatches the stuff via Australia Post. I couldn't track down a local over-the-counter supplier, apparently AMSOIL deal principally through agents rather than retail shops.

Re the DEXRON issue, I know that for my '02 NM the manual specifically states that Mitsubishi OE fluid should be used, or something that meets their specification ATF3, and so far as I am aware DEXRON is not suitable - the only mineral oil equivalent is the Castrol one mentioned earlier in the thread. The AMSOIL synthetic is compliant with Mitsubishi ATF3 specs.

Cheers
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Hope this helps guys. I have used AMSOL synthetic in my tiptronic magna sports and it was great.

if you want to read the whole thread then got to
http://www.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/Default.htm and look in the 'mechanical' thread.

Scott.

Thanks Scott.

Am I to understand that AMSOIL and the Castrol oil are the only alternatives to the Mitsu oil?

Wow. Talk about choice.

Where did you get your AMSOIL from?
Did you notice any changes from using the standard oil? Did it perform any better?
Was it worth the money?

I spoke to my mechanic and he was a little concerned about putting any standard synthetic oil. I'll give Mitsu a call tomorrow and see what they say.

*edit* just had a look at the site. Some very useful information. Thanks. :D

i have 100% synthetic penrite fluid in mine and doesnt appear to have any issues it seems the same so for the extra price you pay the benifit is not appealing if given opportunity again would not use synth cost was approx 30% more for same product..well thats my 2 cents

i wouldnt suggest it for the sake of just getting it. dont use it unless there is a reason, like expencive upgrades or high rpm stall converter which would generate more heat.

if your gearbox is just std and the engine has only bolt on mods there probably isn't any need for it