I used honda MTF at first but noticed that its pretty notchy, started anoying me. Since than iv switched to redline, and its maybe slightly better.... On my last tranny oil change iv filled it up all the way to the top untill it started leaking out, this made the biggest diference! But then again its not awesome. I still sometimes grind 1s-2nd shifts at 8-9k.
Do any of you guys use magnetic drain bolts on your tranny? Iv been looking into this...

 

From what I've read, Honda MTF is basically a 10w-30 oil.
If you are suggesting take it out before summer, are you implying that heat would be an issue? I'd imagine that engine oil temps ought to be higher than gearbox temps.

I think the difference is the friction modifiers and additives in the gear oils. Schaeffers has a great additive package, with lots of Moly.

Either way, I've run this for over 15k now, and my UOA said everything is A-OK.

 

Yes I use magnetic bolts on all 3.
The diff comes stock.

 

Where did you find these? I came across the diff (stronger magnet) and the engine but cant find a tranny one...

 

I believe it says in the manual that you can use normal 10w30 engine oil if you don't have access to Honda MTF, but to change to MTF as soon as possible afterwards.

The biggest misconception people have about gear oils is they just compare weights, and think another oil of the same weight is the same. The one thing that motor oil does not have that most gear oils have is friction modifier, which helps synchros and differentials (in fwd trannier or diffs) operate.

It may shift fine for a little while, but once the remaining friction modifier that is still coated on the gears breaks down, you will most likely experience issues.

 

A lot of Synthetic motor oils do have friction modifiers though. That is why you cant use synthetic oils in motorcycles that have Wet clutches. The friction modifiers in synthetic oils cause the wet clutches to slip.

 

Honda woundn't have enginnered a MTF if motor oil was fine. 10-30 and MTF are no where near the same viscosity. Do what you want it's your car. While it WORKS it is NOT ideal.

To your statement about the heat think clearances. Your piston rings have a much smaller clearance's than your gearbox. This is why when it thins out its ok.

 

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=199972

Excerpt

"It has taken months, and a tip from a friend at Honda engineering but I found the Honda MTF spec. It is called MTF-7289. It is as I guessed a light gear oil of 75w/80w viscosity, equivalent to a 10w30 engine oil. We know it has about the same additives as engine oils but with more calcium, ostensibly to friction modify the oil to have more "bite" for better synchro function."

Now there was a bit in there about it breaking down - but i think that was cured with the new formulation of the Honda MTF.

But, like Ramocheese said, I think the additives are the difference. Of course most additive packages are pretty proprietary, which makes it hard to prove - but from what I've seen from these oils, and most importantly my UOA (and others), I'm sold

 

Spoon oil drain bolt set.



I think the fitment is for all Hondas.

You can buy these anywhere. I think I got mine at www.inlinefour.com

 

I use the Spoon magnetic drain plugs, RL MT90 for almost the entire life of the trans and RL 75-90 for the diff.