Dear Scotty,
I hear and read a lot of comments on social media. A lot of people I understand have stopped using Honda MTF and switched to GM Synchromesh MTF. They say it shifts smoother, stops grinding and slipping in Honda Manual Transmissions (Honda Civic, Acura TL) for example. What is your thoughts on use of GM's fluid vs Honda's Fluid?
I understand that Honda transmissions are rather fussy and quite particular about the fluid used in their transmissions. I don't believe that GM's Synchromesh MTF meets Honda specs. Also, what about using a friction modified fluid, would that have or cause problems on softer metals like brass which are typically found in Honda manual transmissions?
I am not understanding what all the hype or buzz is all about with using an unapproved or inferior product in these transmissions. Thanks and any advice or feedback would be most appreciated.
what are you driving?
It's not about what I drive personally, it's about what other people in car community are driving. I see this going on in the Honda Civic community, Acura TL Community and Acura TSX Communities. GM Synchromesh MTF with the friction modified fluid being used in place of Honda/Acura genuine fluid. Last I checked GM fluids don't meet those specs of those vehicles. It doesn't have the correct additives either and especially Torsen transmissions having softer metals like brass where this GM fluid would be and I surmise is too aggressive. I am also being led to believe that GM Synchromesh is just a thicker fluid vs the OEM Honda/Acura fluids, can't prove it 100% but leads me to believe that.
Never mind the marketing jingo and brand names. you have to read and follow the specifications which are based on testing and data. GL-4, GL-5 etc. The wrong kind of fluid eats synchros.
I talked to a lot of Honda guys past couple years and alot of them say the same thing. A lot of them swear by that gm fluid and claim it's alot better. Yes Some Hondas manual transmissions have brass synchros and some additives and using the wrong fluid can hurt them. The damage tho I believe is indirect and not the fluid itself. Now in Nissans around the 2003 manual transmissions I've heard and seen additives and wrong fluid hurting the synchros directly. Personally knowing how hondas hate non Honda fluid I would not try it.
