I'm in the process of having all fluids in my 2004 X 3.0L AWD cat changed and could use some helpful input.

I bought my X with 46.3k miles, all service records (done by the jag dealer who sold the vehicle to the little old lady that used it to go shopping once a week ) and in keeping with the "sealed for life" craziness I don't see that the transmission, transfer case, or differential have ever had their fluids changed. Nor the power steering or brakes for that matter!

I'm not an additive kind a guy, but since the TC and tranny are weak sisters here I'm considering using SeaFoams' Trans Tune to clean-up any previous neglect.

I've read a lot of great things about Trans Tune's ability to liquify varnish build-up without any damaging effects. I'm 99% sure I'm using it in my transmission and wonder if anyone has experience using this product in the transfer case and differential?

I going to be filling with Amsoil's Signature Series Synthetic ATF and Severe Gear 75-140 for TC and differential.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

-M

 

Since this was my first thread I wonder can anyone tell me why is there a smiley face next to my thread?

And how do I make my title BOLD?

Sorry... I'm sure there was something I was supposed to read but with children... reading I need to get done, doesn't always happen!

 

I would not put any additive in your trans, and make sure you are using the correct fluid, according to your manual, or on posts on this forum. If the fluids needed any additive, don't you think they would have already put it in, These cats are pretty picky about what they eat......Be cool....Mike

 

Mr. Plow thank you for your feedback. I haven't read anything negative about Amsoil's ATF and I've been through a lot of threads regarding fluids. It exceeds every requirement and I'm confident it's as good Redline, Royal Purple, or any of the others. Do you have negative experience with this, or their other products?

As for the Trans Tune idea, I agree with your thinking. As I said I'm not really an additive guy, but with no Fluid changes, a severe usage for over ten years, I'm wondering what kind of varnish and sludge build-up might have occurred.

Do you believe that just changing the fluid is sufficient and then proper maintenance from here on out?

 

I can just give you my personal experience, that I had with my XK8. Unless the specs are EXACTLY like the owner's manual says, clutches will come apart. Maybe your trans won't be so picky, but this has just been my experience. I am not saying that you need to buy the $58 per litre stuff the dealer wants to put in, but you also don't need to put in the expensive miracle fluid, like Royal Purple, or Lucas. So long as you do regular transmission service, the recommended trans fluid is fine. There is no performance upgrade, that comes out of a bottle. A pig with lipstick is still a pig....get my meaning?......Best of luck....Mike

 

"a severe usage for over ten years"

The car was driven less than 5K per year by a woman who only used it a couple times a week to go shopping and also took it to the dealer for regular service . Unless I missed something where is the severe usage? Did she run it at the drag strip every weekend?

I am far from any kind of expert, but maybe you are overthinking things a bit. You read the various threads about what others recommend for fluids. Pick one of those, do the fluid changes properly and leave it at that. If the car was running well when you bought it chances are everything is just fine. Then just sit back and enjoy your new purchase.

I agree with Mr. Plow wholeheartedly on the various miracle additives. If you feel you need to resort to using that because you are having problems there is probably a very good chance you would be putting a small band aid on a wound that probably needs stitches. And like you wouldn't put a band aid on a piece of skin that didn't have a cut, why put something like that in when it is shifting well? My two cents.

 

Alfadude,

I appreciate your two cents. Overthinking... hmmm, yes that's something I am familiar with and maybe I am. I just want to give my new kitty what's best for her. That's why, like a number of other members, I chose Amsoil's top tier products, but the question is about Trans Tune and I was hoping to hear the experiences of members who have used it, whether positive, or negative.

As to whether my trans is working properly. I don't think so! There are times were I get very rough shifts and have read that one possibility is varnish buildup. So is Trans Tune capable of eliminating that buildup and putting things in order? SeaFoam says it is, I wondered if any members experience agrees.

Regarding my assertion of severe usage. Most motor oils recommendations on change frequency consider stop & go trips of less than 10 miles as severe usage. I suppose because that sort of driving puts the greatest stresses on the drive system as opposed to freeway driving. So while I smile that my cat has such low miles I'm also aware of how those miles were attained... and I consider that severe.

 

Change the fluids and see what you have.

 

Mike, I thank you for your input, but you mention "using the correct fluid, according to your manual"... I wonder if somehow or another I received the Readers Digest abridged version!The owner's handbook that accompanied my Jag seems to be missing the specifications page as has been in every auto manual I've ever owned. Specifications that start on page 201 doesn't include any information regarding capacities, fluid spec's, tire sizes, etc. etc.

I downloaded a PDF document from Jaguar dated 07/2004, entitled Vehicle Specifications that I think will do, but it covers both V6 and V8 engines in multiple iterations. If I've read it correctly the newer Amsoil products meet or exceed the Jatco specifications. Couple that with members who have used the Amsoil without complications and I believe I'm safe. lol : )

So I'm just concerned about hearing experiences from owners who've used the Trans Tune product and the results they obtained. If you know of any members who are in the class and wouldn't mind taking the time to ask them to respond to my thread, I would be very grateful.

-M

 

hobbs, I will say straight up that the Trans Tune is the differential and transfer case is just tossing your money into a drain, if anything costing you money as those are not designed to have the fluid thinned with anything and can lead to more problems than it will ever solve. Remember, the Trans Tune is going to be far thinner than any differential fluid you will find. The differential/transfer case fluid needs to be especially thick to ensure a liquid barrier is maintained between the metallic parts. If you want me to go into more scientific details about this, let me know. When you work around million horsepower items, lubrication is important information.

As for Trans Tune in the tranny, like others have said, do a fluid change and see what you have. Unless the tranny has been severely overheated, the amount of varnish that you have will be very minimal (if any at all). So, the Trans Tune is not going to do anything for you (again, wasting your money). If anything, products like this tend to also have a negative effect on the seals as they may contain a product designed to cause various o-rings to swell to make them seal again. While this is good for the short term, you are still only putting a band-aid on the actual problem.

 

Just for the record, my ATF was changed for the first time at 150,000 miles or so using the very easy drain fill method. When I bought it it had a VERY lazy shift from second to third.

Well, I used Amsoil Signature ATF and after the first drain fill of three quarts, the lazy shift was 100% eliminated.

ONE drain fill. So only about 3 quarts. I did 3 more over the weeks and the transmission shifts as though brand new. Amsoil Signature is really excellent.

 

Thanks Chris... I wasn't thinking clearly on the differential and transfer case viscosity requirements. Makes perfect sense now!

Regarding the transmission I thought you had first hand experience with the Seafoam Trans Tune in the tranny. So I'm wondering if you've changed your mind, or are thinking I'm talking about a different product?

-M

 

Hey Slick (Lubrication),

I've read a couple of your posts regarding the Amsoil ATF along with others, which led to my selecting their ATF for my Jag also.

Although I only have 50k on the odometer I'm changing out all the fluids as a matter of precautionary maintenance. Hearing that the introduction of Amoil's ATF helped your transmission precludes my thinking on using the SeaFoam Trans Tune.

I assume the additional drains over several weeks were to ensure a clean inside? A bit pricey, but cheaper than a rebuilt tranny. What did you see in your first drain that told you additional drains would be beneficial?

-M

 

I didn't know if this should be a new thread. I saw a thread that had a number of regional mechanics, but, old age sets in, I can't find it!

The mechanic I usually use, thankfully, told me he's uncomfortable changing out the transmission, transfer case and differential oils.

Anyway... I need to locate a Master Jaguar Mechanic in Southern California, Glendale CA. area to help me with my Cat. Hopefully, I can find someone who can help me with all of my repair and maintenance needs.

When I bought my Jag (I've got to come up with a name for her), I was going to do any and all repairs and maintenance, but health issues have put that idea aside (for the time being).

So any Master Mechanics in my area taking on new customers please contact me.

Many thanks,
-M

P.S. Even though my ride is a Jaguar... I'm not rich!!

 

When you drain and fill, you only replace about 3 quarts of fluid (some say 3.5, mine was 3), so you MUST drain and fill a few times to get a the majority of the old fluid out, if you use the safe and easy drain fill method.

So, that's why I did it multiple times. Fortunately, it's very easy.

Oh, and what came out? DARK fluid. Very dark, with about 150k of wear on it. Fortunately, no burnt smell, and next to nothing on the magnetic drain plug, so it looks like I saved the tranny.

I just couldn't believe the vast difference that a single 3 quart drain fill of Amsoil made. Incredible. You have to do THREE drain fills just to get about 75% of the fluid replaced.

 

My first thought to this post, is you REALLY need to find another mechanic, especially if he is uncomfortable changing out fluids.

My second thought is you shouldn't feel so poor, unless you are living on disability and keeping 2 cats and a Porsche alive......Mike

 

LOL You're very intuitive Mike! On your first thought... I thought the same thing, which is why I posted looking for a Master Mechanic in my area.

On your second thought... My income is fixed, both cats are all black, playful and very hungry and I sold the Porsche to pay the doctor's.

And add to that mix two teenage children!!!

 

hobbs, I am very familiar with the Seafoam product. I can tell you a lot of other places to use it, but I can not advocate the use of it in the tranny. I will tell you to use it in your intake to clean out the built up oil and carbon on the valves. Just be ready to smoke out the whole neighborhood when you do it.

 

Thanks Slick,

What you did with Amsoil's ATF is what SeaFoam claims their Trans Tune product will do.

If on drain my trans fluid makes Margot Robbie's face (The Wolf Of Wallstreet) look like Danny Trejo's (Machete Kills), I'll try your clean & flush approach.

Best,
-M

 

That's the sort of information I was hoping for! Not that other member's input has not been useful. In fact due to Mr. Plow, AlfaDude, Lubrication and yourself I've done a 180 on my approach. So I won't be using the Tran Tune except for possibly at the intake, or crankcase, but only if the new mechanic I'm looking for is on board.

So what other areas for application do you have experience with? SeaFoam also suggests their Motor product can be put in the gas tank on a refill and in the crankcase. Is in the gas tank as effective as removing a vacuum line off the intake?

Thanks to everyone... this is indeed a great forum!

-M