Auto Fluid

Long story short, I think that mitsubishi mucked up in trying to change the ATF in my car. They deny this completely, but it has happened to other people in the galant VR4 owner's club, so I'm not convinced.

The specified fluid is Mitsubishi Diamond SPII. An analogy involving hen's teeth in rocking horse doo-doo springs to mind. You can't get this stuff for love nor money, and most mitsubishi dealers use normal Dexron III fluid, but there seem to be suggestions of problems in using this fluid in the mitsubishi INVECs box.

There is, however, one fluid available which states compatibility with Mitsubishi SPII (as well as SPIII, Dexron III and many other standards), although it is far from cheap. Amsoil Synthetic ATF, which will come in around £100 for the amount I need. Alternatively, I can buy some cheap Dexron III fluid from halfrauds for £40 for the same amount (10 litres).

So, does anyone have experience with differing ATF specs? How critical is the compatibility? How much better are synthetics? Is it worth the additional £60?

 

Is your car an automatic ?

I've had two separate issues with BMW putting the wrong oil in my car. First they nearly f*cked up the limited slip diff by putting normal diff oil in it instead of the special LSD stuff with friction additives - fortunately I noticed before the wear to the clutch packs was a problem. Then they repeatedly put the wrong oil in the engine. BMW specifically require Castrol TWS Motorsport 10W60 for the M3 and M5 engines. Not using it can eventually cause wear to the VANOS variable valve timing system....which costs £1300 + 8hours labour to replace :cry: .

IME most main dealers are a complete waste of time and money. They're full of YTS trainees who are just parts fitters who can read the computer diagnostics. None of them have a clue about actually finding out the cause of a problem. Unless you must use a main dealer for the warranty or so you can claim main dealer FSH then use a reputable independent specialist.

Sorry Isaac, didn't really answer the question. I would say that ATF specs are fairly important and I wouldn't skimp on cheap oil.

Michael.

 

Yes. I used to be a staunch manualite, but having owned this and driven manuals again subsequently, I've decided I do actually prefer the auto. Not sure it would go for all autos, but decent intelligent adaptive ones like the mitsubishi and stuff like audi, bmw, merc, jag, etc.

 

LSD

 

LSD = Limited Slip Differential

Michael.

 

Just reading your post in more detail michael...

There are no independant mitsubishi specialists... it's too small a market. The nearest to such a thing is Xtreme Autos (who import things like the Airtrek Turbo R), and clubvr4 members have had issues with them as well.

At the moment my car does still have FMSH, and I'll probably carry on with that for the next two services (one is nearly due, and is relatively minor... oil, plugs, etc. The one after that is cam belt ), although I have had work done by my local garage (they fitted my new front brakes for me, since mitsu won't fit any part they haven't supplied. Black Diamond discs and pads fitted for less than the cost of the parts alone from mitsubishi, and the BDs are far better). I'll probably do the ATF myself, and tackle a couple of bodywork issues.

 

Speak to these guys:

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/lubricants.htm

Simon from the company posts on various car forums......knows his stuff.

Prices are very reasonable as well,no more expensive than shed oil,even including the P+P.

Paul.