MS6 Fluid Notes & DIY Pictures

[TiGraySpeed6]

Notes on fluids & associated part information for the MS6

Please do post corrections or suggestions-
I'll integrate to this post as appropriate

This was mostly copied & pasted from dozens of posts,
or taken from the '06 MS6 owners manual
-notes gathered mostly just to make my life easier.

based on US dollars, quarts or gallons
=============================================

> Fuel Tank
'06 MS6 Manual - 15.9 us gal


> Power steering fluid
'06 MS6 Manual - ATF M-III, M-V, or equivalent (e.g. Dexron® II)
dry fill- 1 quart


> Brake/Clutch fluid
'06 MS6 Manual - SAE J1703, or FMVSS116 DOT-3
system flush- 1 liter


> Coolant
'06 MS6 Manual - 8.5 us qts (2.25 us gallons)
Type- Mazda FL22
Mazda OEM - part# 0000-77-508E-20

It seems that only mazda has coolant called "FL22"
Whatever, per their own service bulletin-
"FL22 coolant is compatible with current (Green) ethylene glycol coolant."
Bulletin No: 01-033/07
http://www.mazda6wiki.com/w/images/7/72/01-033-07-1830b.pdf



////////////////


> Engine:

5.5 - 6 qts
7 quarts with Balance Shaft removed

'06 MS6 Manual - 5W-30
There's a strong argument being made that 5W-40 or even 10W-40
is better as the slightly thicker viscosity will not seep past the seals
in the turbo and may help prevent the smoking turbo syndrome.

Oil Filter - cartridge style

Oil Filter Part Numbers:
FL-2017B - Motorcraft/Ford OEM cartridge oil filter
L321-14-302-9U - Mazda OEM cartridge oil filter
7203 - Napa Gold cartridge oil filter (made by Wix)
57203 - Wix cartridge oil filter
L15505 Purolator Premium Plus cartridge oil filter
PL15505 Purolator Pure One cartridge oil filter
GL15505 O'Reilly's/Microgard cartridge oil filter
P7313 - Baldwin cartridge oil filter
HP-7013 - K&N cartridge oil filter (made by Champion Labs)
84203 - Carquest cartridge oil filter (made by Wix)
LF594 - Hastings cartridge oil filter
CH9641 - Fram cartridge oil filter
P960 - Champ cartridge oil filter (Champion Labs, makes oil filters for other companies)
S9641 - STP cartridge oil filter (made by Champion Labs)
M1C153 - Mobil1 cartridge oil filter

Oil Filter Wrench - 76mm/14 flutes

Crush Washer-
Mazda OEM - part# 9956-41-400


**NOTE - Short interval oil changes- fuel shear from DISI is bad mojo

////////////////


> Tranny:
'06 MS6 Manual - API Service GL-4 (SAE 75W-90)

3 qts - GL-4
2.5 us qts actual fill

-Amsoil
Synthetic Manual Transmission and Transaxle
Gear Lube 75W-90 API GL-4 (MTG)
$12.90/qt retail

-RedLine
MT-90 (75W90 GL-4 Gear Oil)
$11.49/qt retail

-Motorcraft
Ford Manual Transaxle fluid # XT-M5-QS (75W-90 GL-4 Gear Oil)


////////////////


> PTO & Rear Diff:
'06 MS6 Manual - API Service GL-5 (SAE 80W-90)

3qts - GL-5
'06 MS6 Manual - pto - 1.3 us qts actual fill
'06 MS6 Manual - r.diff - 1.1 us qts actual fill

-Amsoil
SEVERE GEAR® Synthetic Extreme Pressure (EP) Lubricant 75W-90 (SVG) GL-5
$13.25/qt retail
Long Life Synthetic Gear Lube SAE 75W-90 (FGR) GL-5
$11.20/qt retail
**NOTE: My amsoil rep no longer stocks Synthetic Gear Lube SAE 80W-90 (AGL), and states the SVG is substantially better. I have heard from a few folks happily running the SVG in the MS6 rear dif without adding the SlipLock additive, seems it's not needed for the MS6. I removed the AGL from this list, but if you find it locally it will be fine to use.**

-RedLine
75W-90 (75W90 GL-5 Gear Oil)
$10.95/qt retail
**NOTE: Not recommended to run RedLine 75W-90NS - doesn't contain the friction modifiers for limited-slip rear diff**



(retail pricing from maufacturer websites september 2008)



DIY Pictures:

Trans:
both plugs 24mm (note: you will need a box wrench or similar to get at the fill plug)
http://www.msprotege.com/members/wannabe/Fluids/MT.jpg

Transfer Case/PTO:
drain plug is 24mm and refill plug is 23mm
http://www.msprotege.com/members/wannabe/Fluids/Transfer.jpg

Rear Differential:
drain plug is indeed 24 mm. and the refill plug is indeed 23 mm.
http://www.msprotege.com/members/wannabe/Fluids/Rear_diff.jpg

helpful hints:

the plugs are all either 23 or 24mm (see above for specifics)

the crush washers (if you are replacing) are part numbers:
Trans oil plug washer - A601-17-117
T-case oil plug washer - 9956-21-800
Diff oil plug washer - 9956-41-800

A pump of some kind is highly recommended for all three locations.
-Basic, inexpensive hand pumps can be had from almost any parts store

[wannabe]

good info. i'm looking to do my transfer case and rear diff sometime real soon.

[OJ Bartley]

Awesome post, thanks TiGray. This could probably be stickied.

[TiGraySpeed6]

Updated the engine oil section with notes on the use of thicker viscosity oils, quantity increase due to balance shaft delete mod and additional oil filters & their part numbers.

[kalonov]

Thanks for the info.

One question though. Which AMSOIL is better for MS6 transmission fluid.

Amsoil SEVERE GEAR® Synthetic Extreme Pressure (EP) Lubricant 75W-90 (SVG) GL-5

or

Amsoil Synthetic Manual Transmission and Transaxle Gear Lube 75W-90 API GL-4 (MTG)

Not sure I'm doing right comparisons though.

[TiGraySpeed6]

Use the GL4, which is designed to be gentle to gold metals like brass synchros.

Many a parts counter guy will do their best to sell you the GL5, saying things like "supercedes the GL4" and/or "replaces GL4 for all uses". Nevertheless, there is a reason Mazda specs GL4 for the tranny and GL5 for the rear diff. In my reasearch this was backed up by my Amsoil rep, who suggested the same GL4 & GL5 package as spec'd above. Wasn't even a question for him, it was as simple as "Lube for a manual tranny, you need GL4."


Edit to add:
For the pto & the rear diff - The Severe Gear is the shit. Highly recommended for them!

Quantities needed for all three locations are listed in the original post above- that is, 3 qts of each....

[kalonov]

Use the GL4, which is designed to be gentle to gold metals like brass synchros.

Many a parts counter guy will do their best to sell you the GL5, saying things like "supercedes the GL4" and/or "replaces GL4 for all uses". Nevertheless, there is a reason Mazda specs GL4 for the tranny and GL5 for the rear diff. In my reasearch this was backed up by my Amsoil rep, who suggested the same GL4 & GL5 package as spec'd above. Wasn't even a question for him, it was as simple as "Lube for a manual tranny, you need GL4."


Edit to add:
For the pto & the rear diff - The Severe Gear is the shit. Highly recommended for them!

Quantities needed for all three locations are listed in the original post above- that is, 3 qts of each....

Thanks dude. I'll definately keep that in mind. By the way, When do you think it's the right time to change the fluids for rear diff? I wonder if it is in our MS6 manual schedule?

[Killer]

excellent post! Thanks.

[wannabe]

was hoping to do this today, just a quick question, do i need a pump for all three/any of these? i bought mobil 1 products (availabilty/price), and they came in the longer skinnier bottles.

and I added pics to the first post, since I had to search for them. I credit "misa" on another board for these. Hope you don't mind.

[TiGraySpeed6]

No prob & thanks for the assist!
I didn't want to replace exisiting "how-to" posts, just compliment them, so didn't add any pics originally. Those are "the" pics to use tho, same ones I used the first time I change fluids.

As for where to use a pump, you'll need to be mighty creative to get away without one at all three locations- tranny, pto & rear diff....

I got, and was quite pleased with, the Amsoil one, but decent pumps can be had for dirt cheap at almost any local parts store...


Also- If you would reply with or pm me the Mobil1 details, I'll add them to the list above. Did you follow the GL-4 & GL-5 mazda reccomendations?

[TiGraySpeed6]

Oh, and- (just looked....)

HOLY CRAP I'VE BEEN STICKIED!



hmmmmm
ya know, when typed out that reads kinda gross....


nevertheless, much coolness & thanks!

[wannabe]

i bought a $8 pump from autozone, hopefully it will do the trick. didn't have a chance to do this today, as i was installing christmas present goodies (Stage 2 SS and rear seat fold down stuff) and then i just got sidetracked.

and yeah, figured with the addition of the pics it should be stickied.

[Driverman5777]

awesome thread... thanks a lot

[TiGraySpeed6]

updated to add suggestion to use a pump....

[Driverman5777]

do you have a write-up for brake/ clutch fluid also?

[LBV]

I like how you put the pics with the different colors for the drain and add ... well done!!

[gooniac33]

next question is how often should they be changed?

[wannabe]

next question is how often should they be changed?


manual says for the rear diff and transfer case:

If the vehicle is operated under any of the following conditions, change the rear differential oil every 45,000km {28,100 miles}
a) Driving in dusty, sandy or wet condition
b) Extended periods of idling or low speed operation
c) Repeated short trips of less than 16 km {10 miles}

If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be changed.

I take that to mean about every 30k.

[ERABBIT23]

good write up!

[robooccms6]

Sorry for bringing up a dead post but this maintenance is something everyone should do. Does anyone have torque specs for the plugs? My 6 only has 22k on her and I was quite surprised by the layer of gunk on the magnetic drain plug. Also does anyone have a theory on why only the pto and rear diff have magnetic drain plugs while the trans and oil drain plugs do not have a magnet. I figure the engine filter will catch most particles and that you wouldn't want a huge glob of gunk coming off the plug up through the engine at once. But the trans on the other hand has me scratching my head.

[tunersteve]

Very good write up! Just went through the Amsoil product page and priced out everything, which comes out to about $90 for the tranny, diff, and transfer case fluids, as well as the hand pump.

[robooccms6]

Gotta do it!!! My transmission felt like it was brand new again. This winter the first shift from first to second when the tranny was cold I could feel the snyc gears grinding a little as it went into second. After the trans fluid change it felt better than it did when it was brand new.

[Afroman]

A few questions:

1.) I assume the car needs to be nice and level during the filling correct? You fill until some oil comes out of the fill hole basically?


2.) Did you need to buy the limited slip differential additive from the Amisol page?

3.) Has anyone just bought fluid from their Mazda Dealership? Would they have the proper oil weight since the 80W-90W is not available?

[mn3kgtvr4]

Excellent thread. Thanks. What about a third option that doesn't require mailorder? Anyone had good luck with, say, the Mobil 1 options? I'll try it this weekend and see. Tran, PTO, and rear diff.
**edit**too funny, I went to the local Oreilly on my way home from work and my choices for the appropriate gear oil were Royal Purple at $19 a quart, and a Lucas at $17 a quart that seemed intended more towards the farm implement market, no Mobil 1. Guesss I'll just order me up some Redline. The Amsoil stuff I'm turned off by their marketing/distribution seems like Amway to me, plus the lack of official industry certification.

[robooccms6]

I used redline oil and it is holding up with no problems so far although I have only put 5k on it in the past 5 months. :)

[wannabe]

Excellent thread. Thanks. What about a third option that doesn't require mailorder? Anyone had good luck with, say, the Mobil 1 options? I'll try it this weekend and see. Tran, PTO, and rear diff.

i'm rocking the Mobil 1. works good enough for me, but i haven't really noticed a difference over stock.

[robooccms6]

I am not knocking mobile 1 by any means. I use mobile 1 synthetic grease on my wheel bearings on my Bronco; And the mazdaspeed 6 gets mobile 1 5w30 every change. I have just heard great things about redline gear oils so I decided to use them on my baby. The only reason I decided to change my fluid after 20k miles was because this winter my oem tranny fluid would turn to sludge in the 20 degree weather in NJ . My first shift of the day from 1st -2nd then -3rd would hurt my feelings. The sync gears slowed down too much to allow me to shift without grinding (even with a double clutch overev move ). I switched the oil with redline and baboom no more cold problems. I am sure that mobile 1 would do the same thing for my problem and prolly provides the same if not a little more protection to the gears. But I dont drive it like I stole it on a regular basis so I am happy :).. Only when punks in there civics and 350z's give me the stare like is this kid serious. Then its game on VRRRRRM PSSSHHHHH

[robooccms6]

You're funny man. How does crappy oem gear oil that turns to sludge in the winter translate to a transfer case problem? Seriously spend another year or 2 on the forums READING about how transmissions work before you throw random words down that you don't have knowledge about. (braindead

[ERABBIT23]

how many miles is everyone changing there diff fluid? I did the trans at 20,000 and have changed oil every 2,500 miles. I was thinking 30,000 for the diff's.

[LBV]

I did mine at about 36K miles but it was still in great condition. I'll do it again in another 60k in all likelihood.

[tunersteve]

Just put my order in for 3 qts. of Amsoil syn. transmission lube and 3 qts. of Severe Gear 75w-90, as well as the hand pump. Should be in middle of next week.

[tunersteve]

Here's my purchase:

I also have dealer pricing on Amsoil, so before you buy, let me know and I'll let you know what it would cost with the PC discount. I am NOT selling it (at least not right now).

[brandini]

If you're thinking of going thicker, get the 5W-40

The 5 vs 10 is ONLY AT AMBIENT TEMPERATURE so at startup, both are too thick, but the 5W gets acceptable a little bit faster and both would be the same at operating temp. So if you live in a cold area this is highly recommended. If you don't, you can probably save a few bucks.

[tunersteve]

10w-40 is a little harder to find. Living in MI, the 5w-40 is fine. Besides, Mazda is recommending that for those experiencing smoking as well.

[wtam1100]

After reading the thread I started buying all the things I need for a tranny/pto/ rear diff change. My question is the sz of the bolts. In the thread it says 23mm or 24mm. I have a 24mm wrench already. 23mm is kind of hard to find at many auto part stores. Do I need a 23mm wrench? Just want to make sure I have everything b4 I drain the fluids and find out I dont have the correct sz wrench. Thanks for the help.

[wannabe]

honestly, i don't remember. I want to say it was a 23mm for me..but i don't remember for sure.

you could always buy the 23 and return it if you don't need it. i think lowes/home depot sells them individually too.

[tunersteve]

I used a 24mm 6-point socket to get the rear diff and trans fill/drain bolts off without issue.

[wannabe]

steve did you do the PTO also? thats the one i did most recently that i'm thinking was a 23...

[wtam1100]

Thanks for the info I'll just go out and buy the 23mm wrench just in case.

[Mistersix]

hello, 46k here and just now aware of this tranny/diff oil change. help me out here.

what does PTO mean?

tunersteve you still offering a discount on amsoil? i thought i seen a post about it.

and thanks for all the info so far. most helpful.

[tunersteve]

hello, 46k here and just now aware of this tranny/diff oil change. help me out here.

what does PTO mean?

tunersteve you still offering a discount on amsoil? i thought i seen a post about it.

and thanks for all the info so far. most helpful.

PTO = power take off (transfer case).

You at least need to do your rear diff, which is the easiest of the bunch. I did my trans. as well, and the only problem I saw was the frame brace close to the drain plug that gets soaked by the fluid.

I do have a 1 yr. preferred customer account, but I don't know if I'm allowed to pursue that without AMM/AV status.

[Mistersix]

hey thanks.

i'll just order from the website. i think i'm just gonna do all 3 since it'll be up on jacks and all.

i can feel the tranny winding up and down a lot. but i suppose thats just from the AWR tranny mount.

[Mistersix]

not sure if anyone's confirmed the bolt sizes yet but here goes. just did the rear diff. thanks to all for this thread it was much helpful.

r.diff drain plug is indeed 24 mm. and the refill plug is indeed 23 mm. i'll post the size of the other ones soon.

[ms6z]

I need to replace my all gear lubes. Should i go with the 80w90 for the PTO & RD or 75w90? And should i add, AMSOIL Slip Lock Differential Additive to the RD.

Tranny
3 Redline tranny fluid. Mt-90 75w90 AL-4

Transfer case & Rear Differential
3 AMSOIL Synthetic 80W-90 Gear Lube Product Code: AGLQT
http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/agl.aspx

1 AMSOIL Slip Lock Differential Additive Product Code: ADATB-EA
http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/ada.aspx

[wannabe]

i updated the first post with the confirmed bolt sizes


I need to replace my all gear lubes. Should i go with the 80w90 for the PTO & RD or 75w90? And should i add, AMSOIL Slip Lock Differential Additive to the RD.

Tranny
3 Redline tranny fluid. Mt-90 75w90 AL-4

Transfer case & Rear Differential
3 AMSOIL Synthetic 80W-90 Gear Lube Product Code: AGLQT
http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/agl.aspx

1 AMSOIL Slip Lock Differential Additive Product Code: ADATB-EA
http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/ada.aspx

80w90, no additives.

[djdanny5000]

i have to change my oils in the rear diff and pto real soon and wondering what mobil 1 products can i use for this?

[tunersteve]

i updated the first post with the confirmed bolt sizes



80w90, no additives.

why 80w-90? Most references call for 75w-90. No need for additives.

[djdanny5000]

i'm confused because they say 80w-90 and then say to use amsoil 75-90. Mobil 1 has both 75W and 80W so which should i use

[Mistersix]

WTF! i'm having a hell of a time getting more than half a quart in the pto without it spilling out the refill hole. any ideas?

[wannabe]

why 80w-90? Most references call for 75w-90. No need for additives.

owners manual calls for the 80w90.

[Mistersix]

got it figured out. just gotta go kinda slow and push the pipe from the pump as far in the pto fill hole as possible.

i also have some other plug sizes.

PTO drain plug is 24mm and refill plug is 23mm.

any ideas on how to get the drain plug off the tranny. pretty tight in there. hard to get anything i got in there. guess i need a swivel or shallow socket.

[djdanny5000]

Well i ended using mobil 1 75w90 LS and it works great. Feels alot smoother!

[Mistersix]

ok,
both plugs on the tranny are indeed 24mm.

i feel good.... having contributed to such a useful thread. thanks again to all who helped. i've upgraded to all AMSOIL juices.

[wannabe]

how did you end up getting the fill plug out? box wrench?

[Mistersix]

yep box wrench. only thing that i could get in there. leave the fill plug in and it will come out slower and not get all over that frame piece.

[cpspeed6]

hey guys, does this look like a good pump to use for putting in fluids?

[coyfish]

where do you guys recommend getting oil changes. Everyone screams to stay away from jiffy lube or mobil one lube stop, etc. I could always take it to the dealer but I would rather not with my mods. And im also bringing my own oil. There is a sears, firestone auto service place, and a midas near me. Are those techs any better than the quick stop lube places??

Im probably going to have my tires rotated while im there since ive never done that and im at 19K miles.

[wannabe]

its all about trust. i personally don't trust anyone, but i have a coworker that swears by conrads, and another that loves NTB. its all about who you trust to work on your car.

(a bit OT by the way)


hey guys, does this look like a good pump to use for putting in fluids?

can't really tell, just a basic fluid pump like you can find at autozone for $6 works fine.

[tunersteve]

For a pump, just find one that has a 24" or so hose to pump in with.

[coyfish]

What can they do during an oil change that is so bad anyway??? The drop the oil pan, drain the oil, stick the new oil in right in front of you, and rebolt it back up. And check your other fluid levels / oil filter.

[tunersteve]

What can they do during an oil change that is so bad anyway??? The drop the oil pan, drain the oil, stick the new oil in right in front of you, and rebolt it back up. And check your other fluid levels / oil filter.

I've heard stories of them taking a hole saw to the splash guard, putting 2 o-rings on the filter cover, not tightening the drain plug enough.

DIY oil changes are just a good peace of mind for me. If you're competent enough, you won't have any trouble.

[coyfish]

Yeah im a student in an apartment though so thats not really an option. All I have is my box of tools.

[ms6zoomzoom]

Has anyone tried Royal Purple gear oil or manual transmisson fluid on their car? I saw some at O'Reilly Auto Parts. They seem a little more pricier than Redline or Amsoil. I was thinking of trying it out but I wanted to see if anyone here has used them before.

[Glocker23]

I just ordered a Stage 2 STS with bushings, short boot. Also redline tranny and gear fluids. Thanks for this write up

[solidtrance]

Has anyone tried Royal Purple gear oil or manual transmisson fluid on their car? I saw some at O'Reilly Auto Parts. They seem a little more pricier than Redline or Amsoil. I was thinking of trying it out but I wanted to see if anyone here has used them before.

Just be sure that it is the right type of fluid. most of the royal purple gear oil that I have seen in my local parts store is not recomended for use with synchros. From my research, the best stuff for transmissions is made by ford believe it or not. That stuff will not be stocked at the parts store, but you can get it form your local ford dealership. Its really expensive though. hope this helps.

[solidtrance]

I've heard stories of them taking a hole saw to the splash guard, putting 2 o-rings on the filter cover, not tightening the drain plug enough.

DIY oil changes are just a good peace of mind for me. If you're competent enough, you won't have any trouble.

I've heard the same stories from the MS3 and MS6 folks. Easy enough to do yourself. Plus I am always wondering about the oil I'm getting. They never use individual bottles, but thopse oil drum with a hose attachment. Who knows what is in those drums?

[USAFVMI08]

Just be sure that it is the right type of fluid. most of the royal purple gear oil that I have seen in my local parts store is not recomended for use with synchros. From my research, the best stuff for transmissions is made by ford believe it or not. That stuff will not be stocked at the parts store, but you can get it form your local ford dealership. Its really expensive though. hope this helps.

.....so what is the "right type" of Royal Purple??? I just put that in my trans tonight. I really don't want to have to, literally, flush $50 of fluid down the drain... :(

I put in the stuff that's GL-4 compatible 75w90...

[TiGraySpeed6]

updates to brake & power steering fluids and lots more oil filters added to the list

[solidtrance]

.....so what is the "right type" of Royal Purple??? I just put that in my trans tonight. I really don't want to have to, literally, flush $50 of fluid down the drain... :(

I put in the stuff that's GL-4 compatible 75w90...

I would have to go look, but 75w90 is used for more that trans fluid and some of the 75w90 is not good with synchros. It will say on the container if it is okay to be used with synchros. I think the stuff you have to stay away from is called "max gear" oil. Hope this helps.

[Suspect987]

I've meant to put this link up for the longest time on here. This site has more info than anyone here probably needs, but when trying to decide on specific oils this guy has done some great testing/analysis of used and unused oil. Take a look and run the forums if you like. The guy can and will also do analysis for you is you send him your used oil.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=1

[Mistersix]

yeah, i've read that before. lots of useful info if you can retain it all. thanks for the link.

[Stealth01]

OK, so I can't find Redline products ANYWHERE but online, so I'm thinking about going with the Mobil 1 75W-90 for the tranny. That's what the DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT told me to put in. They also told me that GL-5 is fine, that it is compatible with GL-4.

True? False?

[Mistersix]

not real sure what your question is. however what fluids and where they go is thoroughly covered on the first page of this thread. i've personally corroborated the info with the workshop manual.

i went with amsoil. you can get everything plus the pump for around a hundered bucks. you will need the pump for sure.

[TiGraySpeed6]

Use the GL4, which is designed to be gentle to gold metals like brass synchros.

Many a parts counter guy will do their best to sell you the GL5, saying things like "supercedes the GL4" and/or "replaces GL4 for all uses". Nevertheless, there is a reason Mazda specs GL4 for the tranny and GL5 for the rear diff. In my reasearch this was backed up by my Amsoil rep, who suggested the same GL4 & GL5 package as spec'd above. Wasn't even a question for him, it was as simple as "Lube for a manual tranny, you need GL4."



quoted from post # 6 in this thread

[Stealth01]

yeah, that's my confusion. The dealer service guys told me GL5 is OK, but that's not what I'm reading on here. I wanted to do it this weekend, but I think I'll order redline off amazon and do it later.

[wannabe]

Dealer service guys are not necessarily the smartest bunch of people either...
they put 5w20 in my car the only oil change i've ever had them do, and then tried to tell me that it was the correct oil, until i showed them the owners manual that says 5w30 only...

[tunersteve]

Nothing like a good ole' case of RTFM!

Guys, no matter what people tell you, I highly suggest you go open your glovebox and read what the manual says for this stuff. Equipping yourself with the knowledge is the best way to do it.

[wannabe]

(werd) (rtfm)

[Stealth01]

I did read the manual, but when the dealer service department says GL5 is compatible with GL4, it makes me wonder.

[TiGraySpeed6]

sounds like, for you then, best bet is to expand your search for info and reach a conclusion based on info found further than my "trust me".

the bobistheoilguy site is always good

Look at the amsoil website & find your local rep-
you'll be talking to somebody who has the option to offer both, and has the motivation to provide the best alternative for the specific application, not to mention the ability to detail why based on product formulation and performance history.

I've known a few amsoil reps over the years and have found them all to be rather disturbingly informed on the subject.


I'm happy with my research & what I originally posted, and honestly the first thing I thought when I read your post was "Wonder about your "Service" dept?" The Mazda spec remains GL4 for the 6 speed transmission used in the Speed6 for both 2006 & 2007, along with GL5 in the PTO & rear diff.

[Stealth01]

Nah. I'm just ordering the redline through Amazon and going with that.

[Stealth01]

OK, ordered the Redline MT90 through Amazon. Should get it by 11 MAY. I'm going to stockpile fluids (this, rear diff, and coolant) and change them all at the same time.

[mzdspd6]

i just change the oil for the rear diff. for the first time at 104,000 the oil i replace look like new i drive 98 % hwy. i put 80/90 synthetic.valvolin is the only oil i found in advance auto parts or auto zone

[ERABBIT23]

I know it says use 1.3 for the PTO and 1.1 for the Rear Diff my question is will this amount make it to the bottom of the fill hole? Like can I fill till it starts comming out or no? Thanks for the help!

[TiGraySpeed6]

I remember it being pretty much spot on, and the numbers are factory reference for a fresh fill. A few report using less, most likely if they don't drain the old out completely

[amillman2]

should i worry about anything if dumb ass mazda put part synthetic in my car today when i asked for full synthetic???

[Mistersix]

should i worry about anything if dumb ass mazda put part synthetic in my car today when i asked for full synthetic???

i dont think so. should be fine. i used to run full synthetic. now i just run good ol dinosuar boners.

[amillman2]

ok sweet. thanks.

[wannabe]

the original fill for this car si motorcraft semi-syn, so thats probably what they used. no harm done. thats what i use since UOAs show good results and its CHEAP.

[Jay Davidson]

I did my oil, tranny, and rear diff this weekend. Here are a few impressions:

1. This was the first time doing my own oil. I've done all sorts of other things to my cars in the past, but I've never changed my own oil. I will be doing it myself from now on (at least in the summer months). Not only was it half the price, but I know what went in it.

2. ...I also know what came out of it. I will not be going long intervals any more between changes. That ish was nasty.

3. As for the tranny/PTO/rear diff, 23mm and 24mm box wrenches will work great all the way around, except for the PTO fill bolt. There is a frame cross-member that is right in the way. You'll want a 24mm socket for that one, perhaps with an extension. Whatever you do, though, make sure you can get at the fill bolt before you unscrew the drain bolt. :)

4. Personally, I didn't notice anything different in the way the car shifts. I can tell you, however, that I will sleep a little bit better at night knowing that all the fluids are brandy-new.

-Jay

[event]

What intervals are recommended to change out the transmission, transfer case, and rear diff gear oil? My friend said that the transfer case and rear diff oil only need to be changed (on most cars) if there is a problem or every 100,000 miles or so.

Also, is there any sort of magnet in the transmission for picking up stray metal filings from the rare missed shifts? I feel I should probably change the transmission oil, at least, especially if the synchros really are brass, would rather not have metal filings circulating in there...

[wannabe]

manual says for the rear diff and transfer case:

If the vehicle is operated under any of the following conditions, change the rear differential oil every 45,000km {28,100 miles}
a) Driving in dusty, sandy or wet condition
b) Extended periods of idling or low speed operation
c) Repeated short trips of less than 16 km {10 miles}

If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be changed.

I take that to mean about every 30k.

[PavelTol]

Hi! Can anyone tell me which is better: Redline or Royal Purple for engine&tranny?

[TiGraySpeed6]

Really, all three are fine.
I say you should use Amsoil. You'll just as fast find many who swear by either Redline or the purple stuff. Healthy argument gets made for some motorcraft fluid also (should be included in the first post by now...)

Any of them are very likely better than what you've got in there now if your thinking about changing em.