The RR Journals: Dissecting GM Syncromesh FM
#31
Originally Posted by Tyler N,Nov 3 2005, 10:49 AM
The bottles I have are all black and is clearly marked friction modified on the front. Unless they re-designed the bottles, I think you were given the wrong stuff...
Still skeptical it's the right stuff though
#33
I recently contacted Amsoil about their new MTF (and MTG) products and posted the reply under the regular UTH. I'll cut and paste the pertinent bits below. For note, Amsoil's site specifically states their MTF is a direct replacement for both Honda MTF and GMSMFM part number 12377916 (among many others).
http://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/mtf.aspx
My question to their tech department was specifically about the use of their new MTF, and its compatibility with the carbon synchros in the '04 and newer S2000s.
I'm stationed overseas in the Middle East until '08 and my car is in storage until then so I can't personally comment on the oil.
Road Rage, please PM me and I'll purchase 5 quarts and have Amsoil ship them to you for analysis and a test drive if your so inclined.
Here's Amsoil's tech reply:
"In response to your inquiry, the carbon/carbon synchromesh systems in transmissions are the same for all transmissions (carbon/carbon is carbon/carbon). New venture and Tremec manufacturer transmissions with both carbon/carbon synchros and synchros with yellow metals. They manufacturer the same transmissions with options for both carbon/carbon or yellow metal synchros. Both manufacturers have stated that they recommend the same oil regardless of the synchro composition. They only recommend different oil types and viscosities when horsepower is increased, as is the case with the T56 transmission, the oil recommendation changes from a 5W-30 synchromesh fluid (AMSOIL MTF) to a 75W-90 GL-4 gear lube (AMSOIL MTG). AMSOIL recommends the MTF as a direct replacement for GM synchromesh fluid specification # 12345349. The GM fluid is a semi-synthetic and AMSOIL MTF is a full synthetic. This difference alone can provide wear reductions without the use of thicker horsepower robbing fluids.
To address "the big question" AMSOIL warranties the transmission as a whole not exclusive of the synchros. The MTF is recommended for the Honda manual transmissions and AMSOIL will warranty the transmission from any oil related failure. AMSOIL will not warranty the transmission if abuse is determined. This is no different than any other oil manufacturer or auto manufacturer and is the standard product warranty used in by all business. Your question is can AMSOIL MTF be used in Honda manual transmissions if carbon/carbon synchros are used. Yes, transmission manufacturers do not recommend different oils when carbon/carbon synchros are used.
Thank you again for the opportunity to respond to your concerns. As always, please feel free to contact us again if we can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
- name deleted -
(Amsoil's corporate policy is not to get directly involved in forum discussions. I was given permission to post his response to my questions in this forum as long as I did not provide his name directly)
STLE/CLS
Technical Products Manager
Drivetrain & Power Transmissions
AMSOIL Inc.
AMSOIL Building
Superior, WI. 54880
Phone: 715-392-7101 ext. 275
Fax: 715-392-3097"
http://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/mtf.aspx
My question to their tech department was specifically about the use of their new MTF, and its compatibility with the carbon synchros in the '04 and newer S2000s.
I'm stationed overseas in the Middle East until '08 and my car is in storage until then so I can't personally comment on the oil.
Road Rage, please PM me and I'll purchase 5 quarts and have Amsoil ship them to you for analysis and a test drive if your so inclined.
Here's Amsoil's tech reply:
"In response to your inquiry, the carbon/carbon synchromesh systems in transmissions are the same for all transmissions (carbon/carbon is carbon/carbon). New venture and Tremec manufacturer transmissions with both carbon/carbon synchros and synchros with yellow metals. They manufacturer the same transmissions with options for both carbon/carbon or yellow metal synchros. Both manufacturers have stated that they recommend the same oil regardless of the synchro composition. They only recommend different oil types and viscosities when horsepower is increased, as is the case with the T56 transmission, the oil recommendation changes from a 5W-30 synchromesh fluid (AMSOIL MTF) to a 75W-90 GL-4 gear lube (AMSOIL MTG). AMSOIL recommends the MTF as a direct replacement for GM synchromesh fluid specification # 12345349. The GM fluid is a semi-synthetic and AMSOIL MTF is a full synthetic. This difference alone can provide wear reductions without the use of thicker horsepower robbing fluids.
To address "the big question" AMSOIL warranties the transmission as a whole not exclusive of the synchros. The MTF is recommended for the Honda manual transmissions and AMSOIL will warranty the transmission from any oil related failure. AMSOIL will not warranty the transmission if abuse is determined. This is no different than any other oil manufacturer or auto manufacturer and is the standard product warranty used in by all business. Your question is can AMSOIL MTF be used in Honda manual transmissions if carbon/carbon synchros are used. Yes, transmission manufacturers do not recommend different oils when carbon/carbon synchros are used.
Thank you again for the opportunity to respond to your concerns. As always, please feel free to contact us again if we can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
- name deleted -
(Amsoil's corporate policy is not to get directly involved in forum discussions. I was given permission to post his response to my questions in this forum as long as I did not provide his name directly)
STLE/CLS
Technical Products Manager
Drivetrain & Power Transmissions
AMSOIL Inc.
AMSOIL Building
Superior, WI. 54880
Phone: 715-392-7101 ext. 275
Fax: 715-392-3097"
#36
Originally Posted by jyeung528,May 9 2007, 01:14 PM
i don't like the short lifespan of GMSMFM, way to short...and when it gets notchy, it gets extremely notchy.
Give Amsoil MTF a try and see what you think.
http://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/mtf.aspx
The only other option I recommend is to try the new Honda OEM MTF. It's supposedly a better formulation than the previous iteration - I can't speak from personal experience though.
#38
I switched to the GM Friction Modified last Fall: I have about 5,000 miles on it now. It's held up well, worked great through the Winter (no cold notchiness), and has completely solved my crunchy 2-3 shift. I no longer have to double clutch in any gear, and can shift as fast as I want. GREAT STUFF!
#39
I'm on my 2nd fill of GMSMFM. I think it works well, but only lasts 7-8K for me. I have 2 bottles of new MTF ready to go, but I'm trying to wait til my engine oil needs changed. I don't think it will make it though.
#40
Originally Posted by slipstream444,Sep 14 2004, 03:06 PM
The part number that it came under was GM #12377916. It comes in the rectangular style (black) bottle with a blue (artwork background) label. It has "Synchromesh Transmission Fluid - Friction Modified" on the front.
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