Synthetic Trans Oil?

BrettW · Oct 8, 2004

I know this might be better for the Oil/Fuel/Lube area but as this is a Yanmar I trust you guys more with this question. I'm wondering if anyone ever uses synthetic Hy/Trans type oil in their transmission/Pto/wet brake systems. I ask because over in the Oil/Fuel/Lube discussion group I've been reading a lot about synthetic oil and I will go with that when I change the engine oil in my tractor. (very soon)
thanks, Brett W

cfoxmd · Oct 8, 2004

At least in car engines, if you start using synthetics later in the life of the vehicle, you can expect lots of leaks. The non-synthetic oils sludge around the areas of the seals. This sludge creates a barrier and the seals dry out. Once the seals are dry and you change to synthetic, the synthetic oil rids you of the sludge. Then the oil gets to the seal and voila--a leak. Probably the same in diesels, I guess.

evofxdwg · Oct 8, 2004

I was going to put Amsoil syn tranny/hyd fluid in my 1610D but never could find the equivalent viscosity of the manual-recommended "JD303". And my front end loader manual called for a different viscosity than the Amsoil. So i just ended up getting a off brand equivalent of JD303. I dont consider the tranny/hyd too critical on these little tractors. Not like a car tranny where heat can be a killer. Unless previous owners have really let it go to pot, I kinda doubt you'd have leaks in the hyd/tranny with syn. What's in there that creates sludge? No combustion going on.

However, I am running Amsoil 30W Syn diesel oil in the crankcase. No leaks yet - ive put 5 or 6 hours on it and its been in there a few months.

normde2001 · Oct 9, 2004

" What's in there that creates sludge? No combustion going
on."
The pickup screen picks up sludge from somewhere, and I doubt that it gets it all.

cfoxmd · Oct 10, 2004

I don't know about the sludge, but change your differential oil in your truck or SUV and you will see black sludge. I admit that I'm sure that the stuff in the engine is much worse. I don't even know if the synthetics cause this type of problem in transmissions, transfer cases, etc. Just thought I'd bring it up.

Charolais · Oct 10, 2004

I don't have a Yanmar but do use the Amsoil synthetic Hy/Trans in a 2610 Long. Changed it over after the 5th year. No problems at all. Had about 700 hours when I changed it.

I changed my Farmtrac 80 over at the 50 hour change and the wet brakes don't chatter now. If you need help finding what oil to use you can send me a message and I'll get the answer from Amsoil for you.

Amsoil won't make it leak but if it's already leaking it'll leak a little faster.

rcmjr

Soundguy · Oct 11, 2004

If it were a tractor from the 50's I might think of seal incompatibility.. but a mid later model.. might be ok.

I emailed one of the companies about their syn oil, and if it was suitable for an antique tractor. Thier response was what i had stated.. possible seal incompatibilities.. etc..

Again.. that was a crankcase oil question about a tractor from the 50's

Soundguy

evofxdwg · Oct 22, 2004

I havent changed the screen on mine yet so have no experience with sludge/no sludge in the trans/hyd case. But I assume a screen is there to stop metal or other fairly large particles - if there is thick enough sludge, a screen will completely stop up.

I change my truck/car diff oil often enough so there is no sludge that comes out. (And i use Amsoil syn gear oil)

I suppose if you are running a large tractor or have heavy use of hydraulics - the Amsoil would be a better choice.