Question about ATF Z1

[kendemned]

Get ready for the noob questions
I just got my first honda and am getting ready to do some maintenence. I just purchased z1 to do a drain and fill but I noticed that the fluid in the tranny is almost a clear yellow like brake fluid. Is this normal? did they change colors of the fluids? I don't want to do anything that will do any damage to the tranny. Please keep in mind I have always worked on American cars so this is a new frontier for me.

Thanks,
Ken

[Shaar]

From my experience, different manufacturers can use different colored fluids. I believe I've seen a valvoline trans fluid that was goldish colored. Its their universal stuff. Atf z1 is always a reddish purple color. You're not going to hurt anything by putting z1 in there. If anything, its better than whats in there right now. Z1 is what SHOULD be in the car. I'll be doing a tranny fluid service soon and I'll be putting in z1 without question

[YK86]

Weird....most atf that's compatible with Honda automatics are redish colored but like mentioned above, there are exepctions. Manual transmission fluid (both Honda and aftermarket) are usually clear gold color.

You are working on an automatic right?? I know some Fords like my 99 Mustang used red atf in both auto and manual transmissions but Hondas are different.

[kendemned]

Yes this is an automatic. So after I do the drain n fill should I drain n fill a couple more times to get out all the old fluid or will this be enough? This stuff is expensive but I would rather spend on the right service than spend for a tranny.

[Tippey764]

Manual transmission fluid (both Honda and aftermarket) are usually clear gold color.

Honda manual transmission fluid is just regular 10w 30 oil lol

[Shaar]

For the cost of the fluid of about $7 a quart, it will add up pretty quickly doing the drain and fill yourself. It will be a little cheaper and easier if you just swing by honda, let them use the z1 fluid and their t-tech machine. They suck all the old stuff out through the dipstick hole, and then refill with new. That way most of it is out instead of 'diluting' the old fluid with the drain and fill method.

[Shaar]

On the other hand, if your fluid was reddish instead of gold, I would do the drain and fill method.

[evil_demon_01]

Honda manual transmission fluid is just regular 10w 30 oil lol

Honda Mtf is 75W-80.

OP you will need drain and fill the trans twice to get all of the old fluid out.

[ATS666]

Honda Mtf is 75W-80.

OP you will need drain and fill the trans twice to get all of the old fluid out.

This isn't a vw!

10W30 is what the book says but I always reccomend an actual manual tranny fluid because it shifts smoother!
GM Syncromesh baby, used it in everything!

[Shaar]

OP you will need drain and fill the trans twice to get all of the old fluid out.

That WILL NOT get all of the old fluid out. Think of a cup of water. empty half of it and fill it back up with new water and shake it up. Now there is a 50/50 mix of old and new. Now take out half of it again, and fill it back with new water. Shake it up and you've got a 25% old, 75% new mixture. Continue this on and on and it will exponentially get closer and closer to 100% but it will never be 100% new.

[Tippey764]

Honda Mtf is 75W-80.

OP you will need drain and fill the trans twice to get all of the old fluid out.

Why is honda MTF 75W-80 when the manual reccomends 10w-30?

[evil_demon_01]

That WILL NOT get all of the old fluid out. Think of a cup of water. empty half of it and fill it back up with new water and shake it up. Now there is a 50/50 mix of old and new. Now take out half of it again, and fill it back with new water. Shake it up and you've got a 25% old, 75% new mixture. Continue this on and on and it will exponentially get closer and closer to 100% but it will never be 100% new.

Of course it won't get all the fluid out, The torque convertor and valve body holds about 2 litres even after draining and refilling, the trans is more than double that amount.

The only way to get rid of ALL the fluid is to entirely strip the trans, clean it with white spirits and replace all the clutch linings. But that is a bit impractical for what the OP is trying to do.

Why is honda MTF 75W-80 when the manual reccomends 10w-30?

Honestly I'm not sure (Though the manual IS also 20 years old) I just know that when you go to Honda and buy Honda MTF it is 75W-80 (even for the CB)




As far as the OP goes - Drain the fluid that is in there and refill with ATF-Z1 go for a short drive, then drain it again and refill with ATF-Z1.
If your still concerned, drive a further 1000miles then drain and refill one last time.

[Lokheed]

That WILL NOT get all of the old fluid out. Think of a cup of water. empty half of it and fill it back up with new water and shake it up. Now there is a 50/50 mix of old and new. Now take out half of it again, and fill it back with new water. Shake it up and you've got a 25% old, 75% new mixture. Continue this on and on and it will exponentially get closer and closer to 100% but it will never be 100% new.

Yep yep. Gotta do it about 5x to get around 98-99% clean. Drain and fill. Drive. And repeat... it gets expensive and you'll never get it all that way. If you can pick up cheap fluid, go for it. I did mine 3x and will do another when its officially time to change the fluid. But then its always had Honda fluid in there... not sure I'd be comfortable having some yellow shit in my tranny. I always worry about what previous owners have done (or haven't done) with the fluids!