Skip to main content

Can I Use Transmission Fluid in Oil to Clean My Engine?

Written by Charleen

Can I Use Transmission Fluid in Oil to Clean My Engine?

Yeah – those youtube rescue channels all show using ATF to clean out the engine – they’re doing it the hard way…

ATF is not made to clean sludge from engines. Instead, it’s best to use a dedicated engine flush.

AMSOIL Engine & Transmission Flush helps to remove sludge and deposits from engines and transmissions.

_by Phil Collinsburger |May 5, 2022

Over time, engines can accumulate deposits that reduce power and performance. Since automatic transmission fluid contains detergents to clean sludge, some DIYers add a small amount of transmission fluid in their oil to clean the engine prior to oil changes.

ATF, however, is not formulated for use in automotive engines. Instead, a product that’s designed to flush engines is a far-superior approach.

How Sludge Forms

Stop-and-go driving, prolonged idling, trips too short for the engine to reach full operating temperature, towing, the ingestion of airborne dirt, fuel dilution, water condensation and oxidized oil all can promote sludge build-up in motor oil and transmission fluid.

Sludge clogs narrow oil passages, restricting oil flow to vital parts, especially the upper valve train area, causing wear.

Transmission Fluid In Oil Reduces Cleaning Power

In most cases, adding automatic transmission fluid to motor oil reduces cleaning power. That’s because the detergency of ATF is less than motor oil. Why is that?

ATF is exposed to lower levels of combustion byproducts and contaminants than motor oil, so it is formulated with reduced detergency. Instead, ATFs have elevated levels of friction modifiers and other additives that help protect gears and clutches.

Transmission Fluid In Oil Reduces Wear Protection

Second, adding ATF alters the motor oil formulation and reduces its effectiveness.

A good motor oil is a fine balance of base oils and additives designed to fight wear, reduce friction, prevent deposits and slowly dissolve accumulated sludge. The cleaning power of motor oil is designed to work gradually over subsequent oil changes and not necessarily all at once. Adding a foreign substance to the oil disrupts the formulated chemistry, negatively impacting wear protection, detergency and more.

Changes Motor Oil Viscosity

Finally, ATF can alter the viscosity of the oil, reducing wear protection.

Viscosity is the oil’s most important property, influencing wear protection and fuel efficiency. Increasing or decreasing viscosity by adding a little transmission fluid in oil to clean sludge can lead to increased engine wear.

Use An Engine Flush Instead

If you want effective sludge removal and cleaning power, we recommend using AMSOIL Engine & Transmission Flush. It helps to restore fuel economy, increase operating efficiency and reduce emissions in gasoline and diesel engines, and automatic transmissions. Its potent, detergent-based formula cleans sludge and deposit build-up.

AMSOIL Engine & Transmission Flush

  • Prepares engines and transmissions for new oil
  • Removes deposits and sludge for improved efficiency, fuel economy and lower emissions
  • Prolongs vehicle life
  • Detergent-based formula is environmentally friendly
  • Compatible with seals and gaskets
  • Works in one treatment
  • Easily disposed of with waste oil

Benefits For Gasoline And Diesel Engines

  • Helps loosen sticky valves and rings, minimizing blow-by and reducing emissions
  • Helps quiet lifter noise
  • Promotes lower operating temperatures through sludge removal

Benefits For Automatic Transmissions

  • Cleans deposits in oil cooler and ports
  • Helps unclog fluid passages
  • Cleans deposits and varnish from clutch plates, helping improve efficiency
  • Promotes smoother operation and transmission life through reduced shift delay
Knowledge Base, , , , , , ,

Texas Heat Proof AMSOIL Gives Transmissions a Break

Written by Charleen

AMSOIL Synthetic Transmission Fluid Tames Texas Heat

Not even a “spot” of sludge in the pan or on the filter despite extreme heat & heavy towing.

BTB Services owner Bryan Bayles and employee Oscar DeLeon stand by the company’s 2015 Chevy 2500, which is still running strong thanks to good maintenance and AMSOIL products.

by John Baker | December 2022

Customer Bryan Bayles, out of Katy, Texas, saw a need while working as a groundwater sampler and turned it into a successful business. “We used to go to these sites that were really hard to get to because they weren’t being maintained,” he said.

Neglect and disuse often turned groundwater sampling sites into jungles of overgrown weeds and brush, sometimes teeming with rats. Today, Bayles’ company, BTB Services, does what’s called “post-closure care.” His crew maintains groundwater-testing sites around refineries and other sites so they remain accessible.

“One site was 25 acres and in the middle of a town,” said Bayles. “People started complaining about rats running out of it.”

Much of the work involves using tractors, zero-turn mowers and handheld equipment to cut large areas of grass and brush.

“We take tractors out and weed eaters to get the paths clear so we can get out there,” Bayles said.

BTB Services operates three large mowing tractors, two zero-turn mowers, a skid steer and a brush mower. Being a stickler for maintenance, Bayles uses AMSOIL products in his vehicles and equipment.

Vehicles Must Face Brutal Texas Heat

His vehicles include a small fleet of half-ton and larger pickups that transport equipment to sites using gooseneck trailers. Working in the scorching Texas heat means BTB Services’ trucks are exposed to temperatures that frequently exceed 100°F (38°C) for a good part of the season. Combined with towing up to 30,000 pounds (13,607 kg), the company’s vehicles are the epitome of “severe-service” work trucks.

One such truck is a 2015 Chevrolet 2500 that Bayles bought in 2015. Bayles does as much maintenance as he can himself, including changing transmission fluid and filters. When the truck had about 50,000 miles (80,000 km) on it, Bayles switched the transmission to AMSOIL Signature Series Synthetic Fuel-Efficient Automatic Transmission Fluid.

 

Internal Transmission Filter Never Changed

Given the severe conditions, Bayles changes transmission fluid every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

“I know that’s extreme, but we’re pulling about 30,000 pounds of weight behind the trucks,” he said. The maintenance strategy plus AMSOIL product performance have helped the truck eclipse 300,000 miles (483,000 km) with no issues.

Bayles changes the external, spin-on transmission filter on the Chevy 2500 every 60,000 miles (96,500 km).

However, since the transmission includes a drain plug and doesn’t require dropping the pan, he didn’t realize the transmission also has an internal filter, meaning it was never changed.

“I felt horrible that I had 300,000 miles on the truck and I never had the pan off,” said Bayles.

“Spotless! I can’t believe it.”

So, after 257,000 miles (413,600 km) using AMSOIL synthetic transmission fluid, Bayles dropped the pan to change the internal filter, unsure what he would find. The cleanliness of the pan and fluid amazed him; there wasn’t even a hint of sludge or deposits. He texted his AMSOIL Dealer, Erroll Ivery, an image of the clean pan and pristine fluid with the words, “Spotless! I can’t believe it.”

Transmission fluid still clean after Texas Heat and abuse of maximum towing.

The transmission pan and filter contained no sludge or deposits; the fluid still appeared in like-new condition.

Bayles said there wasn’t even a film of deposits or sludge on the transmission filter.

The Chevy 2500 has about 315,000 miles (507,000 km) on it now and still runs great. “Right now, I have it pulling a 32 foot trailer,” said Bayles. Including the payload, that adds up to about 22,500 pounds (10,200 kg). “I gave it a little bit of a break,” he said.

AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil Also Delivers Premium Protection

BTB Services has four trucks, two diesel and two gas, all of which use AMSOIL products in the engine, transmission, differentials and cooling systems. All the company’s diesel tractors use AMSOIL products, too. “We started using AMSOIL in our zero-turn this year,” he said.

Bayles performed oil analysis on the engine oil in his trucks, and the results showed the oil in his gas trucks still had 20% oil life following 20,000 severe-service miles (32,000 km), while the diesel oil still had 50% oil life after 10,000 miles (16,000 km).

AMSOIL products help Brian Bayles keep his trucks and equipment up and running, making money, which is vital for any business. “It definitely has helped keep the equipment well-maintained. I have never had any problems with the vehicles I maintain,” he said.

Bayles isn’t shy about telling others about his AMSOIL success story. “It’s a product I definitely highly recommend,” he said. “I believe in putting the best in all my equipment.”

Shop AMSOIL Products

 

Transmissions, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

How Does a Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) Work?

Written by Charleen

The Function of a Dual-Clutch Transmission

Market Technology before it’s ready!

John Baker|

A dual-clutch transmission (DCT) is synonymous with high performance. Compared to a traditional automatic transmission, it delivers…

  • Faster, smoother shifts
  • Increased fuel economy
  • Improved performance
  • Surprise breakdowns (well they’ll solve that soon)

Although the DCT transmission dates to the 1930s, it made its first practical appearance decades later in several 1980s-era race cars.

In 2003, the Volkswagen Golf Mk4 R32 was the first production vehicle to feature the technology.

Today you can find a DCT in a variety of cars, from the relatively tame Hyundai Sonata to the brash, sexy Nissan GT-R.

How a DCT transmission works

DCTs are essentially two manual transmissions working in tandem.

One gear shaft contains the even-numbered gears, and the other contains the odd-numbered gears. While you’re accelerating in first gear, for example, the computer selects second gear on the other gear shaft. When it’s time to up-shift, the clutch that controls the even gears disengages and the clutch that controls the odd gears engages.

Compared to a traditional automatic transmission, gears shift much more quickly and smoothly in a DCT transmission – the perfect complement to a powerful, high-performance engine.

While DCTs are capable of seamless shifts, they can suffer from shudder or lurching at slow speeds.

Transmission fluid with specific frictional properties is required to prevent shudder. DCT fluid must also maintain the proper viscosity to provide protection during the high-heat operation native to high-performance sports sedans and supercars.

100% Synthetic Dual-clutch Transmission Fluid (DTC)
Buy AMSOIL DCT Fluid

Protect the thrill

AMSOIL 100% Synthetic DCT Fluid is specifically engineered for sophisticated dual-clutch transmissions.

Its superior frictional properties protect against shudder and gear clashing to consistently produce fast, smooth shifts. When you are waiting on the light you need a fluid engineered to solve the “constant slip mode” which is occurring to work as if it had a torque converter. Slight engagement while you are on the brakes requires beyond expectations technology you only can expect from AMSOIL.

AMSOIL Synthetic DCT Fluid’s exceptional durability provides stability in stop-and-go traffic and excels under intense, high-heat conditions. Its built-in oxidation resistance helps prevent sludge formation in vital transmission parts.

Available in our 98th St store. Just behind the Marlins at the Tea exit. Exit 73 Sioux Falls.

Lookup Your Vehicles

 

Transmissions, , , , , , , , ,

Five reasons to use motorcycle oil in your bike

Written by Charleen

You can use Car Motor Oils in your Bike if you Add Two More Wheels.

You wouldn’t want to buy a used bike if motorcycle oil wasn’t used.

Impressive performance happens when you are using the right oil in the right application.

Len Groom | TECHNICAL PRODUCT MANAGER, POWERSPORTS

The results of a study from lubricant additive manufacturer Infineum caught my eye recently. A survey of 1,000 bikers revealed that fewer than 60 percent are using a motorcycle specific oil in their motorcycles. Interestingly, more than three quarters of respondents think they’re using a motorcycle oil. Clearly there’s confusion in the market that requires clarification.

Let’s start with why you should always use motorcycle oil in a motorcycle engine. I’ll boil it down to five key reasons.

1) Motorcycles run hotter

In general, automotive engines are water-cooled. A typical automotive engine can reach 235ºF (113ºC) during operation, which is plenty hot. Motorcycles, however, run even hotter, particularly big, air-cooled V-twins, like your average Harley Davidson. They rely on air flowing across the engine for cooling, which is inherently less efficient at dissipating heat. This configuration poses additional challenges in stop-and-go traffic when there’s little airflow, particularly on hot summer days. In fact, testing of a 2012 Harley Street Bob in our mechanical lab demonstrated an average cylinder head temp of 383ºF (195ºC).

Heat that intense causes some oils to thin and lose viscosity, which reduces wear protection. High heat also hastens chemical breakdown of the oil (called oxidation), which requires you to change oil more often. In extreme cases, the bike’s temperature sensors can shut down the engine if it gets too hot.

2) High rpm destroys lesser oils

Motorcycles tend to operate at engine speeds significantly higher than automobiles. Your average metric sport bike easily eclipses 10,000 rpm. Some have even pushed 20,000 rpm. Your car or truck’s redline doesn’t even come close. The hydrocarbon chains get ripped to shreds.. You can feel the after-effects through the peg and handle bars.

High rpm places additional stress on engine components, increasing the need for wear protection. It subjects oils to higher loading and shear forces, which can rupture the lubricant film and reduce viscosity, both of which increase wear. High rpm also increases the likelihood of foaming, which can reduce an oil’s load carrying ability, further inviting wear.

3) Increased power density = increased stress

Motorcycle engines produce more horsepower per cubic inch than automobiles. They also tend to operate with higher compression ratios. Increased power density and compression lead to higher engine temperatures and increased stress. This places greater demands on motorcycle oil to fight wear, deposits and chemical breakdown.

4) Must also protect transmission – prevent viscosity loss

Many motorcycles have a common sump supplying oil to both the engine and transmission. In such cases, the oil is required to meet the needs of both the engine and the transmission gears. Transmission gears can shear the oil as it’s squeezed between gear teeth repeatedly at elevated rpm, causing some oils to lose viscosity. Many motorcycles also incorporate a wet clutch within the transmission that uses the same oil. Motorcycle wet clutches require a properly formulated lubricant that meets JASO MA or MA2 frictional requirements.

5) Storage invites corrosion

Whereas automobiles are used almost every day, motorcycle use is usually periodic and, in many cases, seasonal. These extended periods of inactivity place additional stress on motorcycle oils. In these circumstances, rust and acid corrosion protection are of critical concern.

While a good passenger car motor oil (PCMO) hits many of these performance areas, it doesn’t get them all.

PCMOs usually contain friction modifiers to help boost fuel economy. Furthermore, PCMOs don’t meet JASO MA or MA2 requirements. If used in a motorcycle, they can interfere with clutch operation and cause slippage. And no rider wants to deal with a slipping clutch. Likewise, motor oils have no natural rust or corrosion resistance. Instead, corrosion inhibitors must be added to the formulation, and typical motor oils don’t contain them.

AMSOIL Synthetic Motorcycle Oil is designed for the unique demands of motorcycles. It’s formulated without friction modifiers for precise, smooth shifts. It also contains a heavy dose of corrosion inhibitors to protect your engine against rust during storage. And it’s designed to resist viscosity loss due to shear despite intense heat and the mechanical action of gears and chains.

Ensure your customers are using AMSOIL synthetic motorcycle oil in their bikes for the best protection this riding season.

And people who use car oil in their bikes probably use the term “drive” when referring to riding.

Motorcycles, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,