Royal Purple in my Tranny

[jimbo]

I've been driving around with a partial case of Royal Purple ATF fluid sliding around in the back of my VX for over 2 months now. I've read posts here and some folks have used it and even said they noticed smoother shifts after putting it in. So I bought some.

My VX has 18,000 miles.

I went to the closest Isuzu dealer (my usual mechanic, who I trust, didn't seem to have the right equipment to do this) and they (the dealer) wouldn't do it. Said it wasn't a recommended fluid (?) and that I didn't need it done. They are mostly a Dodge dealer and to be honest I've never even seen an Isuzu in their service section, or on their lot, although they are supposed to be an Isuzu dealer. We have a better dealer around but they are much further away.

Anyways I got scared off and put it off.

Also back then, when calling transmission repair places, I got different advice regarding whether it needs to be flushed or not. Apparently not all places can do the flush (most didn't quote that way), or want to do the flush. I don't think most guys that answer the phone even get why I would care to change it, or put a certain fluid in.

My questions are : Is the right way to do this to have the tranny flushed? and I don't want to do this myself so what would be a good way to find the most qualified place to do it - what questions should I ask? I get the feeling the Isuzu dealers around me aren't really Isuzu dealers, just other dealers (like Dodge or Chevy) that happen to handle Isuzu. IT's hard to find someone to trust.

Also is there any problem with putting the Royal Purple ATF in? Why do you think the dealer gave me such a hard time? They were like "If we put this in we can't be responsible for the damage it might do".

Thanks

[biju]

I recently purchased all royal purple fluids for my vx's 30k service:

Max ATF
Max Gear
Max EZ
Oil (10W30)
Purple Ice

The appointment to get all the fluids flushed and/or replaced w/ RP is on the 15th. My local Isuzu mechanic seemed to think it was a great idea to replace all fluids with synthetics. Although, he did mention that the MAX ATF wasn't the factory recommended 'dexron III' - he seemed to still agree that the MAX ATF would probably be a better way to go. (granted I'm out of factory warranty, and now using my extended warranty).

I know people will reply w/ plugs for Mobil 1, or AMSOIL - which I'm sure are really good/great fluids. I'm just as confident in RP.

[jimbo]

Hi Biju - Yeah I replaced the axel oil and engine oil with royal purple already. I'd just like to get the tranny done, but like I said - the dealer put doubts in my mind. I thought the RP ATF was Dextron III, or maybe it was Dextron III compatable.

See, I'm finding it a little confusing.

Also not sure about the flushing. Some places want to just drain and fill, but I'm not sure that will replace all the old fluid, as a matter of fact I'm pretty sure it won't.

[joe-yamma]

My dealer swapped out the axles (gear) and transfer case (ATF) with Amsoil (that I provided) for me when I did the 30k service, no problem.

When I got my tranny done awhile back, they dropped the pan and replaced the gasket and then flushed and filled with the Amsoil ATF that I provided.

Whatever brand, syn is better than regular and most any decent mechanic will tell you that.

[Heraclid]

Offhand, I believe the interval for tranny fluid replacement is about every 25,000 miles. Your manual should say. More often can't hurt and I think Tone once said he does it every 15,000. I did the differentials myself with Royal Purple and have no complaints. Like you, I wanted to go with it in the transmission as well. I offered to supply the fluid but the place I used said that the machine they had was set up on Mobil so I reluctantly told 'em go ahead. Really wanted to run Royal Purple there too but since it is a very reputable shop around here I gave in rather than take my chances elsewhere. I had them drain, flush and refill, and had the filter replaced. Make sure that the filter you get comes with gasket made of something other than cork. A simple drain and fill doesn't replace all of the fluid or force as many contaminants out.

[biju]

Jimbo,

RP MAX ATF isn't Dexron III, (granted) as only Dexron III is, well, Dexron III. I had the same questions/doubts when researching as to the compatibility...

According to RP: "Max ATF® is recommended for all applications where Ford MERCON»® / GM DEXRON® III transmissions fluids are specified."

I'm comfortable using MAX ATF in place of Dexron III for my tranny, and so is my mechanic. I'm sure there's more than a few people here that have used MAX ATF, (or another synthetic brand), in place of Dexron...

On another note... Dexron III is the fluid used in our powersteering. I'll probably start another thread where I could use some clarification on if I can get away with using RP's 'MAX EZ' power steering fluid.... So, I guess I have a similar concern, just different part of the VX...