Whats the difference between auto trans fluid, engine oil and gear oil? - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

b-juggles · 06-02-2002, 20:24

Hey all,

This may seem like a pritty obvious question, but i would really like to know the difference between gear oil, engine oil and auto trans oil. the reason i am asking is because, one guy told me i could put engine oil in my manual trans. - this cant be right cos it wouldn flow when hot like gear oil/trans oil...it would be way to thin wouldn it? (in the end i opted for trans oil in my t5 that exceed dextron III specs over gear oil as i figured that wouldn flow as well at high temps)

Thanks,

hot_eb

svo347 · 06-02-2002, 20:55

Geez mate ask a good one why dont ya.....
GEAR OIL is ususally a thicker type oil with different properties ie shear strength, viscosity(resistance to "Flow")lube qualities & additives
Engine oil again has different properties ie must remain able to lubricate in extreme conditions ie pressure & temp, contains special additives in not to oxidize & be able to carry or suspend carbon etc within itself.
ATF fluid again has all the above qualities but is used for "Different" conditions.
I did hear however that you could use eng oil in toploaders ?? Anyone??
Anything to add anyone

Cobra · 06-03-2002, 06:31

ATF is different to egnine oil. ATF will ruin your paint but engine oil won't.

svo347 · 06-03-2002, 06:54

Hmmmm Automatic tranny fluid Engine oil... I see a big difference in the names....

Aussiblue · 06-03-2002, 07:45

ATF certainly tastes diifferent (bad) and is carcinogenic.

see http://library.cbest.chevron.com/lub...0?OpenDocument

Addendum: Oops misread that page Not classified as carcinogenic so pass me another glass of the '72 DEXTRON II red please,

Aussiblue · 06-03-2002, 07:58

Hmm some is Ok See http://www.noco.com/NOCO-MSDS/Prem_Plus_ATF_DM.htm Not carcinogenic but a laxative. I think I'd rather the prunes though. :s5

Routes of Entry
Skin Contact Prolonged or repeated contact with skin may cause mild irritation and possibly dermatitis.
Eye Mildly irritating to eyes.
Inhalation If heated, sprayed or misted, may cause chemical pneumontis.
Ingestion Low toxicity on ingestion. Has laxative effect.
Carcinogenicity Not listed as a carcinogenic.
:s5

Aussiblue · 06-03-2002, 08:07

Some cars shared common sumps and oil for engines and gear boxes of course. Best known example was the old mini; less well known early Lamborghini Muiras. Not really a good idea.

b-juggles · 06-03-2002, 18:49

anyone know anything about the viscosities and properties when heated and stuff...like which flows better, but still provides same lubrication - gear oil or atf when hot?

Falchoon · 06-03-2002, 21:06

Quote:

Originally posted by svo302
I did hear however that you could use eng oil in toploaders ?? Anyone??
Anything to add anyone

I've heard the same thing about Holden depress gearboxes.

I also used gearbox oil in the engine of my old FC Holden when I was trying to sell it because the rings were shot and it was very smokey. Worked great until the motor heated up and the oil went like water because it wasn't designed to operate at such high temps.:oo1:

ATF will pretty much clean up with water if you spill it on your driveway where sump oil and gbox oil you need sawdust or kitty litter.

ebxr8240 · 06-04-2002, 04:44

G/box oil is usually a hypoid type oil that sticks to the gears etc..
Alot of Jap transmissions recomend engine oil.
Modern g/box's don't require the old thick type g/box oil [h.p 80/90] these days...
atf is designed to work with clutch's/band's
Another::: special oil in lsd's ...