Major improvement with MT82 fluid change

[ScottsGT]

BG Syncro Shift II with no additives.

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[dubster99]

Where are you guys buying the BG fluid? I can't seem to locate it.

 

[Rv-Junke]

After doing a ton of research on line, I'm going to go with the Motorcraft Dual Clutch Tranny Fluid (QDC) with the X-18 Additive as called for by the Ford Service Bulletin and current Ford/Motorcraft Transmission Fluid Chart. Apparently once Ford went with QDC and X-18 additive the cold shift problems with the German/Chinese Getrag MT82 seemed to clear up substantially. I also talked with a Getrag representative who said unequivocally that QDC was a lighter viscosity lubricant and the X-18 additive is essential as it maintains a presence on the gears especially if the vehicle has been cold soaked or not run for a prolonged period...the X-18 aids in cold shifts and then reverts back to a more viscous property under heat. As far as using other after market lubricants...he was pretty non committal and offered that if you use QDC and X-18 Ford will totally warranty your Gearbox but using other than QDC and X18, you're in essence rolling the dice. he suggested that before you purchase any fluid other than the manufacturer recommended fluid, you check with the specific manufacturer or Ford itself (I believe that the Ford Transmission Fluid chart lists NO other fluids other than QDC and X-18) :clap2:

Thanks, you mentioned in your next post Break in period...what is that mileage? Also, I plan on having dealer do this Tuesday and will stick with the Ford and X-18...I think...LOL!

 

[Phlyguy]

Thanks, you mentioned in your next post Break in period...what is that mileage? Also, I plan on having dealer do this Tuesday and will stick with the Ford and X-18...I think...LOL!

There seems to be no hard and fast rule on break in other than normal to moderate driving conditions anywhere from 1500-5000 miles (Grimace427 has more knowledge of the process than I do). According to the Getrag representative, once the gearbox has been driven through "Normal to moderate" conditions (and he didn't specify mileage) the gearbox is considered "Broken in" i.e. all items are now "seated" and if anything was to go wrong it already would have. Conversely, he alluded that a G/B flush was not really necessary at such an early interval but at the same time, he alluded that fine metal particulate would be present hence he suggested that your service staff use a fine strainer to check for any "Gross contamination" in the fluid (he noted that QDC will be quite thin in viscosity) so do not be surprised at this finding when the drain plug is pulled.

 

[Rv-Junke]

There seems to be no hard and fast rule on break in other than normal to moderate driving conditions anywhere from 1500-5000 miles (Grimace427 has more knowledge of the process than I do). According to the Getrag representative, once the gearbox has been driven through "Normal to moderate" conditions (and he didn't specify mileage) the gearbox is considered "Broken in" i.e. all items are now "seated" and if anything was to go wrong it already would have. Conversely, he alluded that a G/B flush was not really necessary at such an early interval but at the same time, he alluded that fine metal particulate would be present hence he suggested that your service staff use a fine strainer to check for any "Gross contamination" in the fluid (he noted that QDC will be quite thin in viscosity) so do not be surprised at this finding when the drain plug is pulled.

Thanks...BTW, love the color combo of your car!

 

[Phlyguy]

Thanks...BTW, love the color combo of your car!

Thanks! The color really "Pops" when the sun hits it too! I recently added a Steeda CAI to go with the Magna Flow Street cat back exhaust system...both combined really wakens up the throttle response (and the rumble of that 5.0 really makes a nice note at cruise speeds).

 

[ScottsGT]

Where are you guys buying the BG fluid? I can't seem to locate it.

Go to BG's website and click on their BG Dealer finder. Enter your zip code and a mileage radius. I had to do the 100 mile radius to find a shop within 10 miles. AAA service center had it. A couple of shops I called or went to didn't carry the Syncro. Had to keep looking.

 

[Ruby305GT]

Doesn't the transmission already come with the QDC and x18 additive from factory? It so, what difference would it make?


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[Rv-Junke]

Thanks! The color really "Pops" when the sun hits it too! I recently added a Steeda CAI to go with the Magna Flow Street cat back exhaust system...both combined really wakens up the throttle response (and the rumble of that 5.0 really makes a nice note at cruise speeds).

I may pull the trigger on the ARH Cat Back, and do a CAI and Tune (Maybe JLT Hydro Carbon) and JDM , Lund or COBB tune...I hear adding the CAI really makes the exhaust louder.

 

[ScottsGT]

Ok, cold morning drive. Don't get too excited yet.
43 degrees outside, car sitting outside all night. No warm up, cold drive.
As I leave my driveway, it is a steep uphill climb. Accelerating normally and shifting at 3000 RPM, I experienced the typical notchy shifting we are so used to. 2nd to 3rd was no problem though.
Pulling out onto the highway and getting up to speed, 1st to 2nd again was notchy. 2-3 was mildly notchy. After driving a mile or so, things were much smoother. Originally I had to put 5-10 miles on it before things smoothed out.

Was it worth $100? Considering cold shifts 2-3 are better and it starts shifting smoother quicker, yes. I feel good with the change. YMMV.
Keep in mind, I don't even have 20 miles on this fluid change yet.

 

[Grimace427]

There seems to be no hard and fast rule on break in other than normal to moderate driving conditions anywhere from 1500-5000 miles (Grimace427 has more knowledge of the process than I do). According to the Getrag representative, once the gearbox has been driven through "Normal to moderate" conditions (and he didn't specify mileage) the gearbox is considered "Broken in" i.e. all items are now "seated" and if anything was to go wrong it already would have. Conversely, he alluded that a G/B flush was not really necessary at such an early interval but at the same time, he alluded that fine metal particulate would be present hence he suggested that your service staff use a fine strainer to check for any "Gross contamination" in the fluid (he noted that QDC will be quite thin in viscosity) so do not be surprised at this finding when the drain plug is pulled.

Yeah I agree with that. Just drive it normally. The manual trans should not need regular fluid changes like an automatic would, perhaps once every 50k-100k depending on use. If you are into competitive racing that would be another story.

 

[Grimace427]

Ok, cold morning drive. Don't get too excited yet.
43 degrees outside, car sitting outside all night. No warm up, cold drive.
As I leave my driveway, it is a steep uphill climb. Accelerating normally and shifting at 3000 RPM, I experienced the typical notchy shifting we are so used to. 2nd to 3rd was no problem though.
Pulling out onto the highway and getting up to speed, 1st to 2nd again was notchy. 2-3 was mildly notchy. After driving a mile or so, things were much smoother. Originally I had to put 5-10 miles on it before things smoothed out.

Was it worth $100? Considering cold shifts 2-3 are better and it starts shifting smoother quicker, yes. I feel good with the change. YMMV.
Keep in mind, I don't even have 20 miles on this fluid change yet.

Glad to hear it's working for you. I still get some notchiness when it's sub zero like a few weeks ago, but for the most part smooth as butter.

 

[dubster99]

Go to BG's website and click on their BG Dealer finder. Enter your zip code and a mileage radius. I had to do the 100 mile radius to find a shop within 10 miles. AAA service center had it. A couple of shops I called or went to didn't carry the Syncro. Had to keep looking.

Yeah, all I'm seeing is service shops around me, nothing retail. Not sure any of them will sell just the fluid, but I'll check. I may just head to Napa and grab the royal purple or Amsoil. Any thoughts from the experts on RP vs BG vs Amsoil?

 

[dgc333]

I have Royal Purple Synxromax in mine. Made a very noticeable improvement, very similar to Scott's experience.

 

[foghat]

Ok, cold morning drive. Don't get too excited yet.
43 degrees outside, car sitting outside all night. No warm up, cold drive.
As I leave my driveway, it is a steep uphill climb. Accelerating normally and shifting at 3000 RPM, I experienced the typical notchy shifting we are so used to. 2nd to 3rd was no problem though.
Pulling out onto the highway and getting up to speed, 1st to 2nd again was notchy. 2-3 was mildly notchy. After driving a mile or so, things were much smoother. Originally I had to put 5-10 miles on it before things smoothed out.

Was it worth $100? Considering cold shifts 2-3 are better and it starts shifting smoother quicker, yes. I feel good with the change. YMMV.
Keep in mind, I don't even have 20 miles on this fluid change yet.

Did you have the 'thud' which changing gears before the fluid change? If so, do still have it after?

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