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1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
ViggIN,
I switched to Redline MTL in Apr 06. Now that it's nice and warm (understatement), my shifting is very very smooth and hardly notchy.
Check out the reference section on GenuineSaab's website for location information on the three tranmission fluid plugs. Also, see the link below for site that offers a great price for MTL.
Below is a writeup/diary of how I did the job. It's not hard to do; just plan it out and have the right tools!
Hope all this helps!
Have FUN!
NV
BEGIN LOG:
Day 1:
I just decided to flush whatever is in the tranny and go straight to Redline MTL. No Auto-RX flush.
So, I don't want to flush with (relatively) expensive Redline. Reading through the FAQ and searching a bit, I know that Redline MTL is compatible with other engine oils. So, I think I'll flush twice with some synthetic M1 5w-30 or 10w-30 (whichever is cheaper) since MTL has the same viscosity as these engine oils. Afterwards fill with Redline and enjoy smoother shifting!!!
So, here's my step by step plan to change out the existing MTF to Redline MTL:
1 Drain existing transmission oil.
2 Fill with 1.5L 5w-30 or 10w-30 M1 synthetic.
3 Run car in 1st gear for 20 seconds (wheels off ground, off course).
4 Drain and repeat steps 2-4.
5 Fill with Redline MTL.
I am doing the flush sequence since I really don't know what's in the tranny right now. I don't have all the maintenance records from the two previous owners.
Day 2
I decided to get the fill plug off just to see how hard it was going to be...had my plug removal tool (breaker bar, extensions and 8mm Allen/hex head socket) on the plug and started cranking hard, then POP!
I was like, "Great, I just broke something off!" But nothing was broken except for the loctite or whatever that was put on the plug at the factory!
Day 3
I was able to at least, take the level plug out! ANOTHER POP SOUND ! Didn't cry this time, but still thought I MIGHT'VE broken something this time around, but no, the plug was just loosened.
I removed the driver's side tire and used a few extensions, a breaker bar and the 8mm Allen socket. The brakes were in the way, but I managed.
Day 4
Well, I FINALLY did the manual trans fluid flush on Sunday!
In this thread I've already posted that I was able to open the fill and level plugs.
So, with being able to open those two, I thought that the drain plug would be just a bit more difficult but not too much of a problem! BULLS***! It was really a PITA!
First thing I noticed while laying under my car was that the short leg of my 8mm Allen wrench was just short enough to fit between the subframe and the drain plug. I have seen where others had to grind or cut down the leg to get it to fit.
So, to loosen the plug, I tried:
1. Vice grips and a hammer
2. 8mm socket and extension and a hammer
all of which didn't work! I even f***d my 8mm no-name socket and had to go to my craftsman set! (I'll never buy generic if I can afford not to).
Finally, I used the 8mm socket (with a 1/4"-to-1/2" adapter) and my breaker bar to get the blasted plug free!
Now, while draining the old fluid, I noticed that it was thick (sludgy?) and greyish-black, so I am definitely glad to have gone to the trouble to change it. Also, I saw the magnetic part of the plug had metallic "mud" on it...perhaps a 1/4 teaspoon or less.
The flush consisted of
1. Pouring in two quarts of old 5w-30 Havoline (SH-rated) oil and just letting it all drain out.
2. Filling up with about 1.8 liters of Advanced Auto 10w-30 oil.
3. Driving around for about 2-3 minutes while using all gears (1st gear for about 20-30secs).
4. Drain.
5. Repeat steps 2-4.
6. Then finally filled up with 2 quarts of Redline MTL.
I saw during the 1st drain sequence of the 10w-30 that the oil was slightly greyish. The oil looked clean during the 2nd drain sequence.
Lastly, I was surprised to see that Redline MTL is, well, red (or at least reddish-purple).
Anywho, my shifts are slightly improved, but not Honda-like (don't hate, that's the only car with manual transmission that I've owned:cheesy. The shifts are definitely less "knotchy" are certainly more "fluid".
All plugs were tightened but not too tight.
END LOG
posted by 68.10.20...
Redline MTL at a great price and low shipping!
, Sat, 29 Jul 2006 19:37:23
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