A reader asks: I have to spend $4000 on a CVT transmission rebuild for my Nissan Rogue. I still owe $6000 on this car. The mechanic says the transmission failure happened because I never changed the fluid. How often should you change oil in a CVT transmission?
Our answer: CVT Fluid should be changed a lot more often than most people know. For most Nissan vehicles equipped with CVT transmissions, the fluid change interval is every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or two years (whichever comes first).
For “severe service” operation, Nissan suggests changing the fluid at 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or two years (whichever comes first). Severe service can be defined as operation that creates very hot operating temperatures. This could be frequent towing or heavy-hauling, hill-climbing or operation in very hot climates.
CVT transmissions are extremely hard on fluid. Normal CVT operation is rife with fluid shearing forces and extreme heat. Viscosity breakdown occurs over time and the fluid loses the suitable frictional properties. Once the CVT fluid breaks down, shuddering and poor operation starts to occur. At that point, transmission wear starts to spiral. It is certainly wise to change out the fluid before it starts to fail. Replacement of a CVT unit is very expensive. Therefore, regular CVT fluid changes don’t cost, they pay.
Why Use Synthetic Over Conventional CVT Fluid?
As mentioned, CVT transmissions routinely generate very hot operating temperatures. Hot temperatures accelerate the degradation of CVT fluid. Synthetic oils have a greater capacity to withstand extreme heat over conventional fluids. A high-quality synthetic CVT fluid can also actually lower operating temperatures.
We are certainly partial to AMSOIL Synthetic CVT Fluid. AMSOIL is a pioneer in synthetic transmission oil development. Our customers tell us that this product provides smooth, shudder-free performance. This AMSOIL CVT Fluid is a safe and dependable upgrade over factory CVT fluids. It covers most all of the popular CVT industry specifications.
Does A CVT Fluid Change Have To Be Performed By A Car Dealership?
Many competent car repair shops can perform a CVT fluid change. You do not necessarily have to go back to your car dealership to have this service performed. The main consideration is that the fluid being used is compatible with the industry specification required for your transmission.
Questions? Feel free to contact us using the form on this page or call us at 1-800-748-5781.
A reader asks: A shop did some work on my Harley-Davidson and filled my primary with synthetic oil. I have always used regular H-D oil. Can I drain it and replace with regular oil? Will this cause any problems?
Our answer: You can safely drain the synthetic oil and go back to conventional oil (but read all the way down before you do). There will not be any problems whatsoever. Synthetic and conventional oil can be substituted back and forth without any compatibly issues or mechanical risks. This holds true for engine, primary chain case or transmission oils.
However, we suggest that you give the synthetic oil a try before draining it. You will likely notice that it is easier to find neutral. It is also likely that you will experience smoother clutch performance and cooler primary temperatures.
We are huge advocates of synthetics oils in Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Our customer feedback tells us about performance boosts in every imaginable category. We offer two synthetic options for Harley-Davidson primary chain cases. They are AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic Primary Fluid or AMSOIL V-Twin Synthetic 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil. There is no wrong answer between the two products. Each offers identical performance and wear protection. Some like the idea of a dedicated primary fluid, while others like the idea of keeping just the 20W-50 on hand for engine, primary and transmission.
In conclusion, give the synthetic fluid a chance and determine if you experience any improvements. You can go back to conventional oil at any time in the future.
A common question is whether synthetic ATF can be used in classic cars? Yes, synthetic automatic transmission fluid is certainly compatible with older transmissions. It can provide a nice performance and protection upgrade.
Synthetic ATF will have similar viscosity and frictional properties to conventional ATF. Make sure to purchase an ATF meeting the correct specification for your transmission (more on that below).
The additive package of modern ATF (whether conventional or synthetic) will be significant upgrade over previous generations of ATF.
Factors To Consider Before Changing Automatic Transmission Fluid In Older Cars
When changing ATF in any transmission, consider if the transmission may have significant deposits. If the transmission fluid hasn’t been changed in several years, performing a flush would be a good idea. We offer the superb AMSOIL Engine and Transmission Flush for this very task.
Is the transmission original or rebuilt? Is it functioning properly?
Are the seals in good shape? Should any leaky seals be replaced at this point?
Replace the pan gasket and transmission filter during this process.
Does Synthetic ATF Cause Leaks?
This is a common misconception. Synthetic ATF does not cause leaks. In fact, good synthetics like AMSOIL will condition seals and extend their lifespan.
Conventional ATF may have a thicker viscosity in cooler temperatures. Synthetic ATF has a fairly consistent viscosity across the temperature spectrum. This difference could potentially lead to more drips on the garage floor through leaky seals. Therefore, this factor is what could fuel the “synthetic ATF causes leaks” myth.
In conclusion, modern synthetic ATF products are perfectly compatible with mechanically sound older transmissions. In fact, they can improve transmission performance and maximize wear protection.
If you are looking for an automatic transmission fluid for that classic car or truck, finding the correct ATF product may be confusing. Modern ATF labels likely do not list long-obsolete ATF specifications. But we can help. We carry a selection of ATF products that meet most all vintage ATF specifications for General Motors, Ford and Chrysler automatic transmissions. Contact us for pricing using the form on this page.
In this article, we will list obsolete ATF specifications from Chrysler, Ford and General Motors cars from the early 1950’s to the late 1990’s. We will also show the release year for each ATF spec along with a high-quality AMSOIL ATF replacement option that meets these older specs.
AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF– This is AMSOIL’s elite ATF formula. Designed to provide world-class heat, deposit and wear resistance. Offers smooth shifts and long-service life. Meets numerous vintage specs from Ford, Chrysler and GM.
AMSOIL OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF– Meets the same Ford, Chrysler and GM specifications as Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF at a lower price point. Delivers an upgrade in performance and protection over regular ATF products.
AMSOIL Super Shift Synthetic Racing Transmission Fluid– Designed for Ford Type “F” applications. Provides exceptional wear protection and heat-fighting capabilities. Delivers the correct frictional properties for Ford transmissions that require Type “F” ATF.
Ford took a different path than through the decades. The Ford Type “F” spec was introduced in 1967. Eventually Ford made the Type “F” specification the standard for most of their automatic transmissions backward to 1953 and up to 1979. The only exception being transmissions requiring the Ford Type “CJ” specification. Type “CJ” was used was in the mid-to-late 1970s and it does not use Type “F”. Ford Type “F” replaces Ford Type A (M2C33-A), Type “B” (M2C33-B), Ford Type “D” (M2C33-D) and Type “G” (M2C33-G).
Many ATF’s during the 1960’s and 1970’s had similar properties to GM Dexron. Ford Type “F” differed in that it did not contain friction modifiers. Therefore, this formula allowed shifting clutches to engage quickly.
Release Year
Ford ATF Specifications
AMSOIL ATF Substitutes
1950
GM Type “A”
Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF to 1952. For 1953 and newer models, use Super Shift Racing Transmission Fluid (Type "F")
1959
Ford Type "A" (M2C33-A)
Super Shift Racing Transmission Fluid (Type "F")
1959
Ford Type “B” (M2C33-B)
Super Shift Racing Transmission Fluid (Type "F")
1960
Ford Type “D” (M2C33-D)
Super Shift Racing Transmission Fluid (Type "F")
1967
Ford Type “F” (M2C33-F)
Super Shift Racing Transmission Fluid (Type "F")
1972
Ford Type “G” (M2C33-G)
Super Shift Racing Transmission Fluid (Type "F")
1974
Ford Type “CJ” (M2C138-CJ)
Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
1981
Ford Type “H” (M2C166-H)
Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
1987
Mercon (M2C185-A)
Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
1996
Mercon V ATF
Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
General Motors pioneered many automatic transmission technology concepts. They also lead the way with transmission fluid industry standards. All major manufacturers used the GM Type “A” fluid spec through the 1950’s. In fact, several Chrysler and Ford transmission fluids over the decades closely mimicked various iterations of the GM Dexron spec.
Release Year
GM ATF Specifications
AMSOIL ATF Substitutes
1949
GM Type “A”
Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
1957
GM Type “A” Suffix “A”
Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
1967
Dexron (B)
Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
1973
Dexron II (C)
Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
1975
Dexron II (D)
Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
1990
Dexron II (E)
Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
1993
Dexron III (F)
Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
1998
Dexron III (G)
Signature Series or OE Series Multi-Vehicle Synthetic ATF
In conclusion, we’ve got high-quality ATF options for your classic automatic transmission. Contact us for a wholesale price list using the form on this page.
A reader asks: Is it OK to use AMSOIL Dominator 2-Stroke Racing Oil in my Johnson 15-horsepower outboard engine?
Our answer: No, AMSOIL Dominator would not be an appropriate choice for your outboard engine. AMSOIL has a few outstanding options for your outboard motors (see below). Dominator is a great oil for racing, but not suitable for outboard motors.
Dominator was developed for racing and/or heavily modified two-stroke engines only. This oil is designed to provide protection at exceptionally high operating temperatures. Therefore, even stock snowmobiles and dirt bikes may not run hot enough to completely burn the Dominator formula.
Also, AMSOIL did not add much in the way of detergents to Dominator. The reason for this is that racing engines are frequently torn down.
Therefore, a cool-running 2-stroke outboard engine could have two problems with running Dominator. First, outboards will not run anywhere near hot enough to completely burn the racing formulation. Second, Dominator does not offer detergents to clean up the resulting deposits from incomplete oil burning.
To sum up, the result of using Dominator in outboards could be significant deposit build-up and eventual operational problems. Dominator is a world-class racing oil. But it does not belong in an outboard engine.
Correct AMSOIL Two-Cycle Oil For Outboard Motors
AMSOIL Synthetic Two-Stroke Injector Oil is a versatile option for marine and dryland applications. It is superb as a premix in older outboard engines. It is also suitable as an injector oil. This full-synthetic oil can also be used in snowmobiles, personal watercraft and much more.
HP Marine Synthetic 2-Stroke Injector Oil is AMSOIL’s ultra-premium option for two-stroke marine applications. It can be used in the very latest 2-cycle engines (such as Evinrude E-TEC). HP Marine can also be used as a premix at 50:1. HP Marine delivers the ultimate in wear protection, deposit control and low-aquatic toxicity.
Saber Outboard is a premium synthetic product for outboard premix-only oil. Provides steadfast wear control, optimum throttle response and low-smoke in older outboard motors. Saber Outboard is sold in the USA only.
Questions? Contact us using the form on this page or call us at 1-800-748-5781.
A reader asks: I have a 2017 KTM 300 EXC. The manual calls for 15W-50 oil in the transmission. I see that AMSOIL has the Metric Synthetic 15W-50 Motorcycle Oil and the Synthetic Dirt Bike Transmission Fluid. Which is the best option for me?
Our answer: We have a third option that we think would be the perfect transmission fluid for your 2-stroke KTM. That would be AMSOIL 10W-50 Synthetic Dirt Bike Oil. We’ll explain why below.
Let’s take AMSOIL Synthetic Dirt Bike Transmission Fluid off the table for your application. The Dirt Bike Transmission Fluid was designed for Japanese-brand dirt bike applications that require an SAE 80 oil. Keep in mind that gear oils use a different viscosity scale to prevent confusion with motor oil. An SAE 80 gear oil is actually the equivalent of 30-weight motor oil (in terms of actual viscosity). Your model requires a heavier 50-weight viscosity.
AMSOIL Metric Synthetic 15W-50 Motorcycle Oil would certainly perform and protect very well. There would not be any harm in using this product. Metric 15W-50 is designed to deliver smooth clutch engagement in street bike applications. Again, it will work, but the Dirt Bike 10W-50 is designed for off-road service.
An Ideal Transmission Oil For KTM Dirt Bikes
AMSOIL 10W-50 Synthetic Dirt Bike Oil was designed for dirt bike transmission service. It fights clutch fade by dissipating heat. This allows for maximum clutch plate preservation. It also provides instant clutch engagement in tight off-road situations. Dirt bike transmissions are commonly put under extreme loads in mud, deep sand and other extreme conditions. This aspect was a main focal point during product development.
AMSOIL Dirt Bike 10W-50 will also protect gears during rapid shifting. The 100% synthetic formula provides smooth, optimized shifting performance.
Replacing a 15W-50 with a 10W-50 is a non-issue. Keep in mind that at operating temperatures, both products are a 50-weight oil.
In conclusion, AMSOIL Dirt Bike Synthetic 10W-50 was designed to hold transmissions together under the rigors of professional motocross racing. Therefore, it will be the perfect upgrade for your bike too.
The Type A automatic transmission specification was created by General Motors in the late 1940’s.
Type A ATF was used in the automatic transmissions of every car maker on the market from 1949 to 1958. After that, other auto makers started to offer their own ATF specifications.
The “Type A, Suffix A” specification replaced Type “A” in the late 1950’s. Dexron “B” fluid later replaced Type A, Suffix A.
All iterations of Dexron B, Dexron II and Dexron III ATF products are backward compatible with Type A and Type A , Suffix A fluids.
Newer General Motors specs such as DEXRON VI, DEXRON HP and DEXRON ULV are NOT backward compatible with applications requiring a Type A ATF.
To sum up, to find a Type A ATF, simply look for an ATF that is compatible with the Dexron III specification. Dexron III ATF was specified for General Motors vehicles until 2006. Therefore, it is commonly available. While the label may not list the old Type A spec, note that GM states that Dexron III is a suitable replacement for Type A.
A reader asks: Can AMSOIL Engine & Transmission Flush be used in CVT transmissions? I’ve got a 2017 Nissan Altima. Wondering if this product will give my transmission a thorough cleaning?
Our answer: The short answer is no. AMSOIL Engine & Transmission Flush is NOT compatible with CVT transmissions (also known as “continuously variable transmissions”). This flush product is suitable for regular automatic transmissions and engines only.
CVT transmissions have very little in common with traditional automatic transmissions. This flush product is not compatible with the inners workings found in a CVT unit.
How To Prevent Deposits In A CVT Transmission
The first way to keep your CVT transmission clean and operating smoothly is to change the fluid on a regular basis. CVT oil needs to be changed more often than many would guess. See our article When To Change CVT Fluid In Your Brand Of Vehicle.
The second way to prevent deposits in CVT units is to use a good synthetic CVT oil. AMSOIL Synthetic CVT Fluid is highly resistant to fluid breakdown and extreme heat. This prevents the conditions that cause deposit formation in the first place.
In conclusion, changing your CVT fluid on a regular basis will prevent expensive repairs in the future. Using a good synthetic CVT fluid will protect against wear and deposits. It will also maintain consistent transmission performance.
We can sell AMSOIL Synthetic CVT Fluid at wholesale prices in Canada and the US. Contact us for a price list using the form on this page.
A reader asks: I bought a used 1998 Heritage Softail Classic with 47,000 miles. As far as I know, only mineral oil was used in this bike. I’ve heard good things about using AMSOIL Synthetic 20W-50. Is there any problem with switching to synthetic oil in an older engine? Will it leak or use oil?
Our answer: It is certainly acceptable to switch to synthetic oil in an older Harley-Davidson engine. If the engine is mechanically sound, there should not be any problems. Synthetic oil can be used in older transmissions and primary chaincases as well.
Despite its age, your engine is not “adapted” to only conventional oil. It does not matter if the engine was broken-in using mineral oil. The switch to synthetic oil can take place at any time.
Once converted to synthetic oil, the motorcycle will now have improved performance on a number of fronts. AMSOIL V-Twin 20W-50 lowers friction and withstands extreme heat. Here are the improvements that our customers observe.
Lower operating temperatures
Improved throttle response
Increased gas mileage
Lower volatility which fights oil consumption
Smoother shifting when used in the transmission
Easier to find neutral when used in the primary
Will synthetic oil cause leaks or consumption in an older motorcycle engine? If the seals are sound and the engine has not had serious oil consumption problems, all should be just fine. AMSOIL V-Twin 20-W-50 has a greater resistance to volatility over regular motorcycle oil. This means less oil usage on very hot days.
In conclusion, switching to a top-tier synthetic oil like AMSOIL is the most cost-effective upgrade you can perform on your Harley-Davidson motorcycle. This is true of brand-new models or older bikes.
A reader asks: I’m currently running Polaris Blue 2-Stroke Oil in my snowmobile. Looking at switching to AMSOIL Synthetic Injector Oil. As Polaris Blue is a mineral oil and the AMSOIL is a synthetic oil, do I have to completely empty the oil tank? Would there be any problems with mixing these oils?
Our answer: All types of two-stroke injector oils can be mixed. There will not be any compatibility issues. All brands of synthetic, semi-synthetic and conventional 2-cycle oils are compatible.
Does A 2-Stroke Oil Injector Tank Need To Be Emptied When Switching Brands?
You do not have to complete empty your injector oil reservoir when switching oil types or brands. Simply run the oil level down to a safe point and pour the new oil on top.
While all two-stroke oils are compatible, they are not created equal. High-quality synthetic 2-stroke injector oils will create less exhaust smoke, offer improved performance, improved wear control and cleaner engine internals.
Therefore, when switching brands, you may note different performance characteristics when the new oil comes on-stream.
