Strange Tranny Behavior

[Mark Kovalsky]

It has nothing to do with valves sliding easier. It has everything to do with clutch plates sliding differently.

The transmission is designed to have a specific slip time during a shift. If that time is too short the shift is abrupt and harsh. If it is too long it is very smooth, but it wears the clutch plates MUCH faster. In extreme cases of too long shifts I've seen a transmission be destroyed in about six shifts. It doesn't take a lot.

The slip time is based on many things, but one of the most critical is the coefficient of friction between the clutch material and the steel plates they are pressed against. If that coefficient gets too low the slip times go up and the life of the trans goes down.

Modern transmissions were engineered for optimal slip time without whale oil. Adding Lubegard might not hurt, but if it makes the fluid slipperier, then it's going to destroy clutches.

Personally I wouldn't put that in one of my transmissions.

[TeJay]

Anything that messes with or alters the COF in the lubricants can play havoc with a transmission.

Many moons ago when I first learned about Mobil 1 engine oil I told my teaching partner about it. He was interested and did some research and decided to start using it as well. He put it in his Honda MC. When he did his wet clutch began to slip. The clutch was I assumed bathed in the engine oil and since Mobil 1 reduced the friction his Honda MC began to slip. He went back to stock oil and the problem went away.

TeJay

[Glenn NK]

Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky

It has nothing to do with valves sliding easier. It has everything to do with clutch plates sliding differently.

The transmission is designed to have a specific slip time during a shift. If that time is too short the shift is abrupt and harsh. If it is too long it is very smooth, but it wears the clutch plates MUCH faster. In extreme cases of too long shifts I've seen a transmission be destroyed in about six shifts. It doesn't take a lot.

The slip time is based on many things, but one of the most critical is the coefficient of friction between the clutch material and the steel plates they are pressed against. If that coefficient gets too low the slip times go up and the life of the trans goes down.

Modern transmissions were engineered for optimal slip time without whale oil. Adding Lubegard might not hurt, but if it makes the fluid slipperier, then it's going to destroy clutches.

Personally I wouldn't put that in one of my transmissions.

Mark:

I will take your advice. I have added the Moly-Slip product to my crankcase (because I believe that SAE recognized that MoS2 is an excellent friction reducer and in an engine reducing friction is beneficial). I have also used their grease, but I've always been a bit leery of using those products in my tranny (even though I never thought about the clutch plates).

Now I know why. Thanks for the enlightenment.

Glenn