2nd gear synchro FIX- MT owners read this thread

[reeves]

Originally Posted by Black Tire

2. Try Amsoil 75W-90 GL-4 MTF for spring-summer-fall transmission duty (O.K., I'm a real Amsoil fan so I would really like to try this myself) that will include track use, and Amsoil or Motul in the differential. I think I may change to Pentosin for next winter.

I'm an Amsoil fan as well, and I tried their 75W-90 tranny fluid before trying the Pentosin. It was slightly better than stock feel-wise, but it was still stubborn shifting into 2nd when cold.

And by cold, I don't mean outside temperatures either.. On a cold startup in the morning during fall season (60-70 degrees), I still had issues shifting into 2nd with Amsoil. Pentosin is the only fluid so far that let me shift into 2nd with no resistence (most of the time).. even in sub-freezing temperatures.

I think the grinding is probably bushing-related too.. I may try that next when I get the time/money to do it.

[bpracer]

I'm a month in to using Pentosin and so far, no problems. Still very slick shifting and better on cold mornings to get in first and second gear.

[FRSRAVEN]

Just did a transmission fluid swap. I live in central Texas, and though it doesn't get extremely cold, I have had some 20 degree starts in the last month or so, and shifting at these temperatures is abysmal. Furthermore, cold shifting in general, even on warm days, was sub-par.

I replaced the factory fluid with Amsoil MTF. MTF is a synthetic 9cst fluid designed for manual gearboxes that prefer a thinner fluid. Typical 75w-90 gear oil will be around 14cst at operating temperature. Pentosin is around 7cst at operating temperature.
I went with the Amsoil fluid because I felt it would be thin enough to provide adequate cold shifting performance, but thick enough to offer some protection during the summer time. Additionally there is a local supplier who stocks it, and it was actually cheaper then most of my other local alternatives.

Observations:
Immediately shifts were smother. First and second gear glide into place, and third gear no longer makes an uncomfortable crunching sound. Once warm, shifts remain positive, yet smooth. Not all of the notchiness is gone (a good thing), which means there is still that sensation that you are operating something mechanical, however there is no longer resistance to go into gear that was common on cold starts, and the synchros don't feel like they are cannibalizing themselves.

Overall I'm very pleased, especially considering the swap only cost $30. I'll report back after I get my first really cold morning, but so far so good.

While I was under the car, I also replaced the differential fluid with Amsoil Severe Gear 75w-90. I did this to remove break-in contaminants from the differential (of which there were many), and to see if I could rectify the binding sensation I perceived when going around tight corners at low speed. Additionally I would get a little bit of chatter under certain driving conditions.
Initial impressions so far are good. I no longer feel the binding when going around tight turns. However I'll hold off on a final verdict until I rack up some more miles.
The swap was worth it simply due to the amount of iron contaminants I removed, even with only 2k miles on my car. I was surprised, very surprised.
The magnetic plug on the diff was completely soiled. Even the magnetic plug on the transmission was heavily soiled. Anyone considering a fluid swap, I suggest it simply to remove break in wear from the diff and gearbox.

I changed my oil on the same day. Nothing special to note, other then the torque on the oil filter from the factory was absurd.

[Esoteric]

Everyone has had this same experience.
First thing to do is let friends know: get the inferior fluids out of the trans and diff!

I wouldn't be surprised if our automatic equipped friends have similarly poor ATF as factory fill... That will get ugly in a few years.

[Esoteric]

Originally Posted by fenton

Hey Esoteric,

I just put a order in on your website, it gave me a option to ship to Canada so i went ahead with the order.

You guys do ship to canada right?

Look for your package in the mail soon
Let us know how you like it!

[Sargy]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

1-2 cold always feels rough, but it's definitely 2-3 where I'm getting the "click" sound. Hm...might have to look into Pentosin at some point.

Drive my car for reference next time we see each other

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by Sargy

Drive my car for reference next time we see each other

Running Pentosin right? The 2nd gear crap only happens when I leave it outside overnight. Otherwise, just the occasional 3rd gear "click" and 5th gear harshness.

[Sargy]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

Running Pentosin right?

Correct.

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by Sargy

Correct.

Symptoms of misbehaving gearbox before fluid flush?

[Sargy]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

Symptoms of misbehaving gearbox before fluid flush?

Correct, it was much easier to miss gears because of slight lock ups and crunches, the joys of driving it blissfully was killing me with that. the 2nd gear crunch, third gear and 5th gear.

It gets better every day but on day one after the change I began to laugh when I drove off into 2nd on a cold cold cold morning. It just feels right.

[OrbitalEllipses]

Thanks a lot @Sargy! I guess I'll take it to the dealer and request fresh "approved" fluid to see if that helps. I want this done under warranty before I use a different viscosity fluid.

[sid325]

Anyone using Pentosin have any additional long-term feedback? I'm about to pull the trigger. My 2nd gear is useless below 50 and 3rd is notchy going in. I thought it might get better with use, but not very hopeful.

Thanks

[bdanisi]

This thread is amazing op is the best. Ordered 3 liters. Much obliged!

[luuser75]

how hard is it to replace the fluids yourself? i'm calling shops and they're charging a good amount for labor since i already have the fluids and washers...