I had my second tranny and differential oil change analyzed by Blackstone. My results are below. My first change on these fluids was done at the dealer and I didn't get samples. The analyses were done on Honda fluids. In addition to the street miles, I had several track days, including Laguna Seca on these fluids. The fluids were in use for 7867 miles.

First the good news:

TRANSMISSION- comments from Blackstone:
Except for a fairly high level of lead, which may be leftover gear marking compound from the factory, nothing unusual appeared in this sample of transmission fluid from your Honda. Wear levels are low, and no insolubles or moisture was present. We think this fill of fluid is still serviceable. This was an SAE 20W oil when checked @ 210 F.

Elements in Parts per Million PPM. The first number is my analysis the second number is the universal average provided by Blackstone:

Aluminum: 5, 7
Chromium: 1, 2
Iron: 36, 102
Copper: 7, 40
Lead: 50, 43
Tin: 0, 2
Molybdenum: 0, 3
Nickel: 1, 1
Manganese: 1, 1
Silver: 0, 0
Titanium: 0, 0
Potassium: 4, 1
Boron: 9, 35
Silicon: 19, 43
Sodium: 6, 44
Calcium: 2852, 2098
Magnesium: 1, 64
Phosphorus: 1073, 1036
Zinc: 1219, 1056-
Barium: 4, 8
Insolubles% 0, <0.2
SUS Viscosity @ 210 F: 51.7 43 - 48

The oil I changed to was Honda MTF. Based on the Blackstone's comments that the fluid was still serviceable, I plan on MTF changes at every third oil change which is 15,000 miles (Engine oil is Mobil One synthetic w/5000 mile intervals on changes). This also depends on number of track days during the interval.
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Now the bad news:

DIFFERENTIAL- comments from Blackstone:
Chrome, iron, and nickel all read high in this sample of 80W/90 lube oil, especially considering this oil has already been changed once. The chrome and nickel are probably alloys of steel parts rather than separate wearing parts. Insolubles (oil oxidation due to heat and use) were fairly high for a short run oil as well. These values do not necessarily show a mechanical problem (differentials rarely fail) though we do think this wear is too high. Suggest re-sampling in 8000 miles to monitor. We think the wear should read 1/4 of these values.

Elements in Parts per Million PPM. The first number is my analysis the second number is the universal average provided by Blackstone:

Aluminum: 2, 3
Chrmium: 8, 4
Iron: 541, 418
Copper: 1, 5
Lead: 1, 3
Tin: 0, 2
Molybdenum: 1, 3
Nickel: 45, 51
Manganese: 36, 18
Silver: 0, 0
Titanium: 0, 0
Potassium: 2, 1
Boron: 198, 112
Silicon: 24, 7
Sodium: 4, 7
Calcium: 3, 146
Magnesium: 2, 23
Phosphorus: 1380, 1118
Zinc: 8, 96
Barium: 6, 16
Insolubles% 0.4, <1.6
SUS Viscosity @ 210 F: 74.6, 74- 83


The oil I changed to was Mobil One Synthetic Gear Oil 75W/90. I guess I'll use Blackstone's recommendation and change it again in 8000 miles. I wonder if the Torsen differential is providing wear metals that are different from standard differentials that are the bulk of the universal averages?

Just offering this up as comparison.

 

I wish I had done an analysis on my tranny oil when I changed it. Have you been experiencing any issues at all with your tranny or diff (grinding, noises, etc.)?

 

No real issues. Just a slight notchiness going into third gear, that was eased somewhat by the first tranny fluid change. I also have the de-cel buzz in the gearbox/clutch from 4000 to 3000 rpm.

I'm waiting for the miles to build up before I get the TSB done for that though. Yeah, I wish I would have gotten a sample on my first change. Who knows maybe the dealer didn't really change the diff fluid.

 

You should consider changing to GM Synchromesh Tranny Fluid. I've been using it for a couple thousand miles, and the tranny shifts beautifully.

Check this thread: https://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?...?threadid=70383

 

Gloffer - interesting report. I had the MTF in my car analyzed last by Blackstone last Spring after 19k miles of service. The results for my oil were pretty consistent with yours except that they said it appeared to be "...the 10W fluid Honda prefers for manual transmission use." Blackstone also noted that "...the oil's additives are strong enough to serve in a diesel engine." They commented on the high lead values (47) in my sample as well.

Gernby - The results of using GM synchromesh fluid are intriguing; does that oil meet Honda's specifications? There was a lot of interresting info in the lionk you provided, but this point wasn't addressed.

 

Gernby,
I also switched to GM, and I just love the new stuff.

Do you work for GM or something? It sounds like you're really pushing this product... Just Joking.

EVERYONE SHOULD TRY GM SYNCHROMESH, IT WORKS VERY WELL.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Incubus
[B]Gernby,

 

There was allot of discussion about viscosity and viscosity index of the Honda fluid compared to the GM fluid, but since NEITHER product discloses its specs (10W-30, 15W-40, etc), there was no real conclusion. All I know is that the GM fluid works really well. I don't work for GM, and I've never used this fluid in any other vehicles, but it has been wornderful for me. I was getting the 1-2 grind 2~3 times per day (NO EXAGERATION), but I think I've only gotten the grind twice in the last 2500 miles! I can totally live with that.

 

How many bottles of the GM stuff do we need? And are the intervals the same as the Honda MTF?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by docofmind
[B]How many bottles of the GM stuff do we need?