Redline ATF

[erogers]

Hi guys. I'm thinking of getting some Redline ATF for my 1989 Jaguar and am interested to hear what those of you who use it think about it. Any information you could provide from your personal experiences would be helpful. It's a bit expensive, so I want to be able to justify using it in this older car. I need an ATF that specifically addresses the Dexron II-D specification, so I'd probably be using Redline's "Synthetic ATF" product. Thanks.

 

[c3po]

I have used Redline ATF, it is a great product, but I am now using another brand of ATF.

 

[SamSpade]

Red Line Synthetic ATF or D4 ATF would be the 'right' product, but I would think it's overkill. I'd rather use a cheap Dexron III from any reputable brand and change it more often. That said, I'm using the Red Line D4 on a '04 BMW transmission and like most others, satisfied with it so far.

 

[AzFireGuy79]

Hands donwn one of the best ATF's money can buy. I have used it since the early 90's in many cars/trucks. Never a lube related failure. I like that Redline is one of few companies that still uses POE and realizes the benefits with these ester based products. You can run extended drains with any of their ATF's. As with any I would recommend upgrading the filtration.

D4 actually fixed a shifting issue I was having in my 06 camry. Now have 15K on a full flush with it and it shifts like butter. I also use D6 in my tacoma and it saw some improvement although not as obvious as the camry.

 

[erogers]

Thanks for all the replies so far! I've been slowly restoring this car and am about to turn it into a daily driver (except for winters, as long as my T-Bird keeps plugging along). I really like the idea of having an extended drain ATF, since I will be dropping the pan, changing the filter, and hopefully getting out as much of the old fluid as possible. The other two I've been considering are Castrol High Mileage ATF and Mobil 1 ATF, although Mobil 1 doesn't address its Dexron II-D compatibility in its tech sheet. Does anyone know if Dexron III took the place of Dexron II-D specifically? If I understand correctly, Dexron II-D is different from Dexron II.

 

[EricF]

Redline's Synthetic ATF qualifies as a Dexron II.
"Typically used where GM Dexron II®, Dexron IID®, Dexron IIE®, Ford Mercon®, and Mercedes Benz ATF"

 

[erogers]

Well, then I guess Redline Synthetic ATF is my best choice to be certain I'm meeting my transmission's requirements. I would imagine Dexron III supersedes all the previous Dexron variations, but I have been unable to find any hard data on the internet that specifically mentions Dexron IID being replaced by Dexron III. However, the new Dexron VI specifies that it replaces all previous Dexron variations. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Redline offers a Dexron VI fluid yet.

 

[Ben99GT]

Originally Posted By: erogers
Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Redline offers a Dexron VI fluid yet.


RedLine D6 ATF meets "Dexron-VI®, Dexron-III®, Dexron-II®, Mercon®SP and Mercedes Benz NAG-2 fluids".

http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=115&pcid=9

I really like the fact that RedLine chose to offer several different ATFs that actually meet the specs. One size fits all ATFs just don't cut the mustard, IMO. A proper Dex VI or Mercon SP fluid doesn't make for a proper Mercon V, despite what Mobil would have you believe.

 

[unDummy]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZF_4HP22_transmission

Any Dex/Merc equivalent can be used. Any full synthetic equivalent would be an upgrade.

I'd use RL D4 since its the newest spec. Nothing wrong with RL SyntheticATF.

The problem with DexronVI is that it isn't compatible with all seals, in some older transmissions. Its not for GM to test it in non-GM transmissions.

 

[erogers]

Thanks for the link to the info on my trans, unDummy. Thanks also to everyone else for replying. I'm probably going to go with Redline (not sure which formula yet), since the idea of extended drain intervals is appealing. The higher cost of Redline really isn't so bad since you can run it significantly longer than standard ATF. This is a car where I would really like to just change the ATF with a high-quality brand and then not worry about having to do anything else with the transmission for a while. There is a certain relief that comes with using a top-notch product. I guess that peace-of-mind was what I was after in the first place, whether my car really needs all the benefits of a full synthetic or not.

 

[erogers]

Just a thought regarding the two Redline products I'm considering (Synthetic ATF and D4). Since my trans only requires Dexron IID, would Redline Synthetic ATF be better than D4 in my particular case? I mean, wouldn't a fluid that is specific to my application be better than a multi-purpose fluid? Are there any added benefits to using D4 if Synthetic ATF fully meets my requirements? Just thinking (asking) out loud.

 

[AzFireGuy79]

"The least used of all Red Line ATFs, we remind that all of our automatic transmission products are fully-synthetic, so be sure not to confuse this less versatile product with other more flexible products like D4 ATF, our most popular".-Redarding their synthetic ATF

Our most versatile ATF, use where Dexron III®, Dexron II®, Mercon® and Mercon V® fluids are recommended, provides a GL-4 level of gear protection.- Regarding their D4 ATF

Taken from redlineoil.com

The D4 would be the superior ATF in your application. Especially with the GL-4 gear rating.

 

[Ibrahim]

I am sure Redline D4 ATF is awesome but i am currently using for my ATF & power steering Royal Purple "Max ATF"...I am extremely pleased...

http://www.royalpurple.com/prod-pdfs/max-atf-ps.pdf


An Interesting Observation About 3 Top ATF's

Amsoil "Universal ATF"
Brookfield Viscosity, cP @ -40°C: 9800

Redline "D4 ATF"
Brookfield Viscosity, cP @ -40°C: 5200

Royal Purple "Max ATF"
Brookfield Viscosity, cP @ -40°C: 3852

 

[unDummy]

If you want to go extended drain intervals, you should install an inline filter like the magnefine, racor, or permacool.

What is needed/required is what was available at the time.
Use the D4.
Or, contact Redline. They'll give you their recommendation. Might even ask them whey they have SyntheticATF alongside D4.

BTW, paper spec's are meaningless. And, unless its -40c out all the time, cP at that temp means what????

 

[Ben99GT]

Originally Posted By: erogers
Just a thought regarding the two Redline products I'm considering (Synthetic ATF and D4). Since my trans only requires Dexron IID, would Redline Synthetic ATF be better than D4 in my particular case? I mean, wouldn't a fluid that is specific to my application be better than a multi-purpose fluid? Are there any added benefits to using D4 if Synthetic ATF fully meets my requirements? Just thinking (asking) out loud.


I believe so. Go with the fluid that is specifically formulated for your application, not one that is backwards compatible. There is likely a reason why RedLine hasn't phased out the older fluid.

 

[Ken2]

The Dexron-II family of fluids was superseded by the Dexron-III versions...ending in Dexron-III(H). The only case I know of where Dexron-III is not the best choice to replace Dex-II is in Honda automatic transmissions. I don't know about Mercedes, but because Red Line specifically mentions your transmission, I'd stick with their "Synthetic ATF" if I didn't use a Dexron-III equivalent product.

Dexron-VI is recommended ONLY for all GM Hydramatic transmissions, plus a few GM Allison transmissions that have been tested with Dex-VI. It is not for other uses.

 

[AzFireGuy79]

You can use either product in your application. The verbage on redlines site and knowledge of the backwards compatibility in Dexron fluids supports this. The D4 has a higher flash point, higher viscosity and is GL-4 rated. At the end of the day its better than the regular Dex II syn RL offers.

Your best bet is to call Dave over at Redline. Very nice and knowledgable guy. He can recommend the best ATF for your application. As I have spoken with him many times and used both ATF's, I can tell you he will recommend the D4 for the reasons I have stated above. He will most likely have some more reasons.

 

[erogers]

I certainly appreciate all of the responses and help with this decision. I went ahead and ordered some D4 from Redline's website. I'm sure the Synthetic ATF would have worked just fine and I almost went with it, but I figured if I had some D4 left over I could also use it in my T-Bird. I also liked the GL-4 rating. That's definitely a plus. Thanks for all the great info, guys.

 

[BuickGN]

I was about to start a similar thread. I'm going with Redline in the TL. It's between the D4 and the high temp. Being that I live in a hot climate where the temps rarely get below freezing and I've heard from others that the TL runs 210 degree trans temps during normal driving and easily hits 240 with more aggressive driving, I'm wondering if the high temp would be better. Any thoughts?

 

[Ben99GT]

I don't think D4 would even flinch at 240 degree trans temps.