Transmission fluid (again)

[SVTfocusO3]

Alright, after looking at some other threads, it seems that the book (SVT focus specific manual) says either ATF or manual transmission (synthetic) by Motorcraft. But, my manual only says manual transmission fluid, makes sense. So what I'm wondering is what is the equivalent to this fluid? I'm not looking to drive to the dealer you could say. I'm thinking about just putting this in, its seems perfect for both fluids.


http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10002&productId=87914&parent_category_rn=&showValue=1&JegsPopup=ProductDisplayPopup

"Synchromax Manual Transmission Fluid--
Formulated for manual transmissions that specify automatic transmission fluid, multi-viscosity or straight or grade motor oil. Also ideal for 4x4 transfer cases and 2-cycle motorcycle gear boxes. 1 quart bottle."

What do you all think?

[RecoilRob]

Well, considering the cost of the Getrag transmission and the fact that parts are NOT available to service it.....I would stay with the factory specified synthetic fluid. What reading I have done on the stuff is that it is about as good as you can get for the trans and changing to something else will not improve the performance and may cause problems down the road.

Yes, it IS expensive but isn't supposed to need changed for over 100,000 miles. Even then, you are only spending $50-$60 or so to change the lube when you do.

[SVTfocusO3]

Why do people change the oil in their cars only after about 500 miles or so? This is the same reason I'm doing the transmission earlier. Doesn't the transmission have more metal parts than any other piece on the car, I think a fluid change would be for the best earlier. I don't think any manual states when to change it.


I just got this e-mail back...


"I have a 2003 SVT Ford Focus with a 6-speed Getrag transaxle, the same one
that is in the Mini Cooper. My manual says to use Motorcraft full synthetic
manual transmission fluid, some other owners manuals have even specified
this fluid and an ATF, so I'm guessing it's not a thick gear fluid. The
part number for the Motorcraft fluid I found online referred me on your
chart to use 10w-40 motor oil, is this correct for the Getrag? Getrag
actually says to use Castrol BOT 130 (europe), which I won't be able to find
anywhere, so what Royal Purple product do you advise me to use, if any."


-----------------------------------------------------------------
Yes that is correct. Royal Purple recommends 10w40 motor oil for that
transmission.


Patrick Burris
Motorsports Marketing Coordinator
Royal Purple
One Royal Purple LN.
Porter TX. 77365
281-354-8600 ext. 241
713-705-9201 cell

[RecoilRob]

Hmmmm...curious! Just one question that has come up in other forums I have been reading. Are there any synthetic materials inside the Getrag tranny in our cars?

I think it was on a BMW board where several people had trashed their trannys with non-factory fluid. (seems to me that Royal Purple was mentioned)

It takes a while, but some non-metallic washers and blocking rings CAN swell or come apart if exposed to the wrong lubricant.

I don't know if our particular machines are involved in this concern but you ARE taking a chance using other than the factory approved fluid. If you think the advantages are worth the risk, best of luck to you!

[SVTfocusO3]

Well, my manual only states Motorcraft full synthetic manual transmission fluid, so if this is the right fluid I will use it, as shown here...


http://www.fcsdchemicalsandlubricants.com/fad/product.asp?product=Full%20Synthetic%20Manual%20Transmission%20Fluid&category=Transmission%20Fluid


Now, after looking at these part #'s, I traced them to this chart...


http://royalpurple.com/techa/tranxref.html


I've seen the threads where someone from Getrag recommended what to use, those part #'s he gave are USELESS to me. What is right, that's why I'm here.

[XFIRECHIEF]

I checked out AMSOIL.COM and found out what fluid I needed.

[SVTfocusO3]

I might use that 5w-40 because on the little note it makes below,

"1. SLF is MT fluid meeting spec. WSD-M2C200-C "

is the same spec on the Royal Purple chart I have above, that says to use 10w-40, but it also gives one for a automatic tranny which throws me for a loop now, so I might just put in Mobil 1 Extended Performance 10w-40, I think I would be good with that.

[SVTfocusO3]

What else throws me for a loop is that I looked up and down on the Mini Cooper years and the manual transmission fluid they recommend is a syncromesh 5w-30.

[SVTfocusO3]

Here's the right oil...

Castrol BOT 130M, Castrol BOT 207 and Texaco MTF 94.

The oil fill amount is about 1.4 liter.


Regards
Uwe

[keitho51]

GETRAG ALERT!
I took my 03 SVT Focus w/Getrag in for a clutch today. The dealer called and said "There's a tech bulletin on this tranmission. We have to wait for the field supervisor to come in and check it out but I am sure that he will approve it." "Why isn't this posted on the web?" I said. His reply, "Some things don't make it to the web." So I saved hundreds on the cost of labor because the tranny has to drop anyway, and Ford is paying.

What is the TB? Don't know, but will soon. And I will announce it ASAP!

Keith
keitho1951@yahoo.com

[WD40]

I'm certain your Dealer/Mechanic is referring to the following TSB.
(Technical Service Bulletin). (He just left out the "S")...
http://www.svtownersassociation.com/svtoaforums/showthread.php?p=74928&#post74928
Quite a few of us SVTF owners have had the TSB done.
Mine was replaced at just a hair under 12,000 miles, and as of this date (and 57,000+ miles) it's still going strong.
http://www.svtownersassociation.com/svtoaforums/showthread.php?t=9015

BTW, I hope they can get the updated parts that the TSB lists.
There's been a national back order on the pressure plates, since the manufacturer (LUK) isn't producing them anymore.
DON'T let them put in the "original" parts if they try to!
^^^There's still some left in Dealer stock...
You want the updated TSB components, or go fully aftermarket if you need to.

See here for further updates on clutch parts and availability:
http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=133572