VOA/UOA of Honda MTF

Props to Joee12: Analysis by Road Rage
Here is a UOA of Honda's MTF. Analysis performed by ANA labs.
1996 Acura Integra LS 1.8DOHC
82093 Miles on Vehicle
21650 Miles on fluid

VOA/UOA both by ANA
Titanium -0/0
Silver - 0/0
Copper - 0/4
Lead - 0/12
Tin - 0/8
Aluminum - 0/8
Nickel - 0/0
Iron - 0/51
Chromium - 0/0
Sodium - 0/0
Boron - 1/1
Silicon - 0/5
Water - 0/0
Soot - 0/0
Glycol - 0/0

Moly - 0/0
Magnesium - 11/45
Calcium - 2652/3353
Barium - 0/0
Phosphorous - 1401/1910
Zinc -1564/2400
Visc@100C - 11.26/6.63
Tan mg/g - 0.30/4.00

Analysis:
Well, this analysis has both the VOA and UOA! As specified it is a 1.8 Integra, with 21k miles.

First: The viscosity is typical of a high 30 weight engine, or as I suspected, a 75w/80w gear oil. The vis at 100degC is 11.26 centistokes, but note that it has sheared down to 6.63 after 21K! 30K service life? Perhaps, but note that the acid number has gone from .3 to 4.0. The wear numbers look good. This appears to be an engine oil with high levels of ZDDP. It is not an EP oil, it is not a GL-5 oil. It of course has no active sulfurs which might harm yellow metals, although neither do most quality GL-5's these days. If you are going to use a GL-5, ask the mfr. if their gear oil is kind to our yellow metal friends.

I think the principle unknown is what the composition is that controls the coefficient of friction, which will be the prime determinant of synchcro action and wear. The only thing in the analysis to point to would be the high calcium levels - the Ca could be used to coat the synchros in the manner needed, since Ca would be a benefit in engine oil as a detergent/acid buffer.

It will be hard to extrapolate the longevity of this sample to the S2000, as they are different transmissions, and the S2000 has an oil pump to keep fluid pumping, which I doubt the Integra has. Still, considering the redline of the S2000 and how most of us drive it, this analysis suggests that the prudent thing would be to change the oil out yearly if you drive a lot, and every two years if you do not.

I've been wondering about this. We know that the LE 8130 is superior oil to your standard 10W-30. In the past honda has said it's ok to use 10w-30. So how do you feel about using 8130 as MTF in the S2000 tranny? Although is 8130 yellow metal friendly?

-S

The Integra does not use an oil pump in the Trans. The Acura Vigor and Legend do. As far as I know the S2000 is the only Honda using pressurized oiling in the trans.

Not a good idea. read the analysis of 8130 I posted and consider it against what I wrote above - you should be able to figure out why. This is not Elementary School - you have to work for it a bit! (Hint: Luke, search for the Calcium, the Ca Luke!)