Castrol Import, ESSO LT 71141 and Redline D4 VOA

[shanneba]

I am planning to change my BMW 330Ci auto trans fluid soon and
I thought I would compare these three ATF fluids.
ESSO LT71141 is the recommended fluid.
Dave at Redline suggested the D4.
Castrol Import Multi-Vehicle says it is for use where ESSO LT 71141 is required.

Looks like the Redline D4 is the winner!


Code:




Brand Castrol Esso Redline

Type Import LT71141 D4

Multi

Vehicle



Aluminum 0 0 0

Chromium 0 0 0

Iron 1 0 1

Copper 0 0 0

Lead 1 0 1

Tin 0 0 0

Molybdenum 0 0 0

Nickel 0 0 0

Manganese 0 0 0

Silver 0 0 0

Titanium 0 0 0

Potassium 0 0 0

Boron 139 204 405

Silicon 8 8 24

Sodium 1 1 9

Calcium 1 37 306

Magnesium 0 0 1

Phosphorus 251 364 823

Zinc 2 2 5

Barium 0 0 0



SUS @ 210 52.5 49.7 50.6

cSt @ 100C 8.03 7.17 7.46

Flashpoint 370 385 420

Fuel

Antifreeze

Water 0.0 0.0 0.0

Insolubles 0.0 0.0 0.0

 

[MolaKule]

The Redline Boron, Silicon, and phosphorus seem way too high for a DexronIII/Mercon fluid.

Better check back with Dave to see if these elements are correct/incorrect.

 

[shanneba]

I noticed they were much higher than the last D4 UOA posted.
I was testing to see if the additives were close between the three.

 

[Doug Hillary]

Hi,
in my quite extensive experience with Castrol's range of synthetic gear lubricants and ATFs I have found that they are about the best around. Measured in durability and wear reduction over extensive use and extended drain periods

I have used them for many years and of course some are Factory fill with certain Euro manufacturers

 

[MaximaGuy]

Castrol Import MV ATF is a good ATF and doing well in my Maxima.

 

[BearZDefect]

Nice idea, shanneba, thanks for sharing!

I would have liked to see the viscosities compared at lower temperatures too. I believe automatic transmissions spend most operating time well below 100c.

 

[shanneba]

I haven't seen many cars with a trans temp guage. I hooked up my ODBII software to my BMW 330CI and took a 15 minute drive, about 10 miles of freeway driving. My trans temp was 196F at the end of the run. The car was showing an ambient temp of about 100F.

 

[gtx510]

the ATF "warmer" in the radiator will keep the fluid nice and toasty

 

[sprintman]

Redline D4ATF in my Outback P/S, changing my BMW P/S to D4ATF, and changing the straight Redline MTL in our BMW g'box to an MTL/D4ATF blend as a tad to thick for Canberra winter. After g'box rebuild I will be changing the Castrol syn oil in my Mazda g'box to Redline MT90 I have waiting. Good stuff imo.

 

[Whitewolf]

Originally Posted By: shanneba


Looks like the Redline D4 is the winner! [/code]


Question. Why do you come to that conclusion. (not being funny just curious).

Observation. You cannot have NO water. Did they not test or simply not find? If they did test do yo know what method was used?

 

[shanneba]

I was comparing the additive numbers, the viscosity and the flash point. The Redline is also fairly easy to get online at a reasonable price, about 30% less than the Esso.
I am not sure what test Blackstone uses for % water.

 

[Whitewolf]

The numbers are meaningless unless you know what additive chemistries you are dealing with.

 

[byez]

Castrol Multi Vehicle ATF is even doing well even in my Toyota spec'd for T-IV.