Automatic Tranny Fluid

Netefrog

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I have some Shell ATF here and I'm wondering if it is O.K. to use in the chaincase. I've seen threads on here with people saying that it can be done. Want to take my chaincase appart for inspection but don't have any gear lube at the house.
 
No more of that thin, lightweight chaincase lube for me. I'm using only synthetic 75-80W gear lube. I want my chaincase parts to last longer than the ones that just wore out. There is no way you'll notice any performance difference due to the lower viscosity of the ATF or lightweight chaicase fluid.
 
I USE IT FOR RACING ONLY. EVERYDAY TRAIL USE OR LONG LAKE PULLS, I WOULD USE AMSOIL CHAINCASE OIL OR WHAT THE YAMAHA SPEC IS. 3:16 (yammie tony)
 
I have not used AT in the yami, but never had any issues with ATF in any of the other sleds I have that i have used ATF in.
 
I played that game too. Tried Mobil 1 in my chain case too, I took it apart to check it and the crap had coked in the bearings. I had to take it apart to clean everything. After that mess I started using Klotz chaincase lube; end of problems.
 
horkn said:
I have not used AT in the yami, but never had any issues with ATF in any of the other sleds I have that i have used ATF in.


X2 - it's what's in most modern car and truck manual transmissions and transfer cases.
 
ATF is in Automobile auto transmissions, and lightweight trasfercases, these units either have coolers and or turn low RPM, ie under 5k rpm, usually around 2k to 3k rpm. A chain case upper gear can spin 5k to 9k rpm, with an extremely minimal amount of fluid. The ATF overheats, and breaks down the lubricating propertys. Synthetic gear lube of 75/90 is the better choice. For the amount needed why would you skimp on the cheap stuff? I buy by the 5 gal pal and go through at least 20 gal per year for my marine business. Al
 
alswagg said:
ATF is in Automobile auto transmissions, and lightweight trasfercases, these units either have coolers and or turn low RPM, ie under 5k rpm, usually around 2k to 3k rpm. A chain case upper gear can spin 5k to 9k rpm, with an extremely minimal amount of fluid. The ATF overheats, and breaks down the lubricating propertys. Synthetic gear lube of 75/90 is the better choice. For the amount needed why would you skimp on the cheap stuff? I buy by the 5 gal pal and go through at least 20 gal per year for my marine business. Al


Both Tremec and ZF manual transmissions and NP transfer cases in light and medium duty trucks use Mercon ATF as called out in service manuals.

In extreme service applications (high heat, heavy loads) the service interval for changing the oil is reduced but changing to gear lube in those applications is not recommended.

I may be comparing apples to oranges and I'm not disputing your recommendation to run gear oil, but IMO the limited service life and cold extremes the oil sees allows for the use of ATF without issue.

In other words, IMO if it is used to push a 6K# truck down the road at 70mph, it should withstand a 500# sled.
 


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