Is it possible to mix dextron 2 and 3 from different manufacturers?


Product Description

RAVENOL ATF Dexron VI is a red synthetic hydraulic fluid for General Motors transmissions. The latter, by the way, requires lubricants of quality not lower than GMN 10060.

Ravenol Dextron 6 uses hydrocracking oil as a base, the main advantage of which is: high technical characteristics and operating characteristics, low production costs. Petroleum raw materials are processed in a special way. Thanks to this, fractions that should not be included in the final product are converted into carbohydrate. Additionally, the liquid contains special additives that improve quality and polyalphaolefins. The latter is a synthetic hydrocarbon compound, the output of which is a colorless liquid without impurities.

The abbreviation Ravenol ATP Dextron 6 indicates that this is a new generation product. It is used mainly in passenger cars, light trucks. Ideal for both six-speed transmissions and earlier units.

They are produced in canisters of 1, 4, 20, 60 liters, barrels of 208, 1000 liters.

Dektron 2 or 3 in the power steering: fill it in or hold off?

Hydraulic power steering is designed to make steering easier, as well as dampen vibrations and shocks that occur on the steering wheel. In order for it to last a long time and work stably, it is necessary to regularly change the oil in it and monitor its quality. The article discusses Dextron oils, including Dextron 3 for power steering, and gives their description, advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages and disadvantages

Packaging 20 liters

The main and only disadvantage of this product will be its high cost. But, having read the list of advantages, the buyer understands that the price is completely justified.

  1. Guarantees smooth gear shifting.
  2. Has the possibility of an extended replacement interval.
  3. Has a large list of approvals from major global vehicle manufacturers.
  4. Versatile in use.
  5. Available in most retail outlets.
  6. It has high stability and excellent antioxidant characteristics.
  7. Does not freeze at low temperatures.
  8. Keeps transmission system and filters clean.

As a minus, you can also note the packaging volume of 1 liter. If it is necessary to completely replace the machine, the client overpays for the container. Availability of a 4-liter package could reduce costs for motorists.

Mineral or synthetic power steering fluids?

For a power steering system, the choice between mineral and synthetic fluids is unlikely to be appropriate. An important feature of power steering is that this system contains a huge number of rubber parts for which synthetics are not suitable. Synthetic fluids are too aggressive for parts created on the basis of natural rubbers.

Synthetic fluids can only be poured into a power steering system where all parts are designed taking into account the use of fluids of this type and have a specific composition. If the instructions for your car do not contain information that it is necessary to use synthetic fluid for its power steering, then you can only use mineral water.

Is it possible to mix transmission fluids of different compositions?

When mixing Dexron mineral and synthetic gear oils, a chemical reaction will occur which may cause impurities to precipitate. The working properties of the liquid will deteriorate, which will harm the machine components.

Mixing different Dexron ATF standards with the same base results in unpredictable additive reactions. In this case, it is permissible to add fluid to an automatic transmission of a later standard, i.e. if ATP Dextron 2 is filled in, you can use ATP Dextron 3. On the contrary, it is not possible due to the insufficient effectiveness of the modifiers.

It is also worth considering the climatic region of residence. ATF Dexron II D is not designed for cold winters, therefore it is only suitable for the southern part of Russia and Europe. When moving to the northern regions, the automatic transmission fluid must be completely replaced with ATF Dexron II E or ATF Dexron 3.

Red, yellow and green fluids are poured into the power steering. Only yellow oil with the same base can be mixed with red ATF in the power steering. For example, red mineral water Ravenol ATF Dexron DII art. 1213102 and yellow mineral water Febi art. 02615.

How to top up

The process of topping up is simple - you need to unscrew the cap of the power steering expansion tank and add enough fluid so that it is between the MIN and MAX marks.

The main problem when adding power steering oil is its choice. It’s good if the replacement has not yet been made, and the system contains fluid from the manufacturer’s factory. In this case, it is enough to check the technical documentation, take the recommended oil and add to the required amount.

» alt=»»> If you don’t know what’s in the system, we recommend replacing it right away, because in any case you’ll have to buy a canister of liquid to top it up.

Source

Description

Unlike a manual transmission, oil in automatic transmissions takes on many more tasks. Firstly, there are gears, so no one has exempted the engine from the most important function of lubricating ATF. Secondly, the oil must ensure the correct operation of friction clutches. Thirdly, it also transmits torque in the torque converter, moving at high speed (80-100 m/s) in narrow channels between the wheel blades. Finally, it must cool the parts of the box: the design of the latter is such that excess engine power is converted into heat, heating the oil in hot weather to 150°C, while 95°C is the normal “cruising” mode.

These objectives place opposing demands on ATF. To lubricate the gears, a higher viscosity is needed, but for the torque converter to work, it must be small (4-8 cSt). But if the viscosity drops below 3-5 cSt, there is a risk of cavitation and seal leaks.

Additives help to find a compromise, but in the presence of dissimilar metals (for example, steel and bronze) they can activate galvanic corrosion. In general, a regular transmission cannot be poured into automatic transmissions, and so that the driver does not accidentally mix up the cans, ATF is painted in a bright, usually red, color. Which, by the way, is reflected in the specifications.

Characteristics of Dextron 2 and 3 - what are the differences

Dexron 2 and 3 fluids , which are used in power steering and automatic transmissions, lie in their fluidity rates, type of base oil, and temperature characteristics. In general terms, we can say that Dextron 2 is an older product released by General Motors, and accordingly, Dextron 3 is a newer one. However, you cannot simply replace the old fluid with a new one. This can only be done by observing the manufacturer’s tolerances, as well as the characteristics of the liquids themselves.

Let's sum it up

Taking into account the above information, we can conclude that Dexron ATF 3 and Dexron VI transmission oils today are quite universal and are suitable for a large number of automatic transmissions, power steering, as well as a number of other units and mechanisms on GM vehicles.

However, you should separately study the tolerances and recommendations in each case, since the transition from Dexron 2 to Dexron 3 on old boxes may not be strongly recommended

It is also important to remember that moving up one level is often quite acceptable (for example, from Dexron IIE to Dexron3), however, it is often not recommended to roll back from a more modern solution to outdated products. Finally, we note that it is better to initially use only the one that is suitable and determined by yourself transmission fluid from the manufacturer, and also promptly change the oil in the automatic transmission, power steering, etc.

This approach will avoid problems and difficulties associated with mixing, as well as switching from one type of ATF to another

Finally, we note that it is better to initially use only the transmission fluid that is suitable and specified by the manufacturer, and also promptly change the oil in the automatic transmission, power steering, etc. This approach will avoid problems and difficulties associated with mixing, as well as switching from one type of ATF to another.

Product Description

Castrol Transmax Z is a high-quality fully synthetic transmission fluid. Produced on a high-quality basis using Smooth Drive Technology. This technology protects transmission components very well and ensures smooth gear shifting over a longer period of time compared to some other analogues.

Excellent technical characteristics are maintained throughout the entire service life. The oil is resistant to oxidation and high temperatures, and has excellent heat dissipation properties. This prevents the system from overheating, including under increased loads, and reduces the formation of deposits, fuel consumption and, as a consequence, the amount of exhaust gases.

Excellent characteristics at low temperatures, good viscosity and fluidity, allow the oil to be quickly pumped and distributed even in winter frosts, lubricating and protecting transmission components from the first moments of vehicle operation.

The product well protects parts from wear, corrosion, and deposit formation, thereby extending their service life and reducing vehicle maintenance costs.

The company tracks the results of its work and claims that over 15 years of using this fluid, most customers have noted improvements in gear shifting. They become smoother, hesitations and jerks in the operation of the transmission disappear, and extraneous sounds disappear.

Is it possible to mix Dextrons with different compositions?

The issue of mixing fluids often arises before an upcoming lubricant change. By pouring another oil, you can provoke unwanted chemical reactions, damaging the device, so you should not conduct experiments yourself. In this matter, it is better to follow the recommendations of the gearbox manufacturer by referring to the car's operating manual. With the interchangeability of "Dextrons" the situation is like this:

  1. "Dexron IID" can be replaced with "Dexron IIE", but not vice versa. The replacement is especially relevant for operation at low temperatures, even if the IID version fully complies with the automatic transmission.
  2. Dexron III oil can be used to service gearboxes where Dexron II was present, provided that the new ATF fluid has more friction modifiers. Replacement is not possible.
  3. The replacement of the second “Dextron” with the third is not carried out if the box does not reduce the coefficient of friction with increased efficiency of the modifiers.

It is better not to take risks using other formulations. Each type of ATF meets the specifications of many automakers, but compliance should still be checked individually. Information about tolerances must be indicated on the product packaging.

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