Anyone use Amsoil ATF instead of 3309?

Retired MVS Contributor · Post by **Retired MVS Contributor** » 15 Jun 2010, 09:23

I have done a little on-line research and went to Amsoil's site...As far as I can tell, it does NOT comply to JWS-3309 spec, only to Dexron spec...MY Volvo's mileage is too low for me to have done a transmission flush, but I do know that Dexron, while recommende prior to 2001, is not recommended after that...When I do the flush, it will be with 3309...

On other forums I read that harsh shifting, third speed "flare" (momentary slippage) and other problems were experienced when non-3309 fluids were used in the AW55/50 transmission...I won't use a substitute for ATF3309...Just my humble opinion...

Post by **JDS60R** » 15 Jun 2010, 21:13

Volvo reccommends JWS 3309 - The Volvo fluid spec chart is attached.

If Mobil 3309 is the factory fill I would avoid it based on the shifting complaints and long term performance as reported by many here.

I would recommed a synthetic over a non synth for shifting, protection and lifespan. I have used them both and the synthetic is far superior.

If you chose Amsoil it does meet JWS 3309 spec - I use it in my personal Volvo and in my customers. No issues - only compliments.
Here is the direct link to Amsoil's page - it shows the list below which contains JWS 3309 (near the bottom).
http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/atf.aspx

• GM DEXRON® III-H
• Ford MERCON® & MERCON V
• Chrysler ATF+4®
• Toyota Type T-III and T-IV
• Honda Z-1 (Not CVT)
• Diamond SP II & III (Mitsubishi/Hyundai/Kia)
• Mazda ATF-III, ATF-MV
• Subaru ATF, ATF-HP
• Nissan Matic D, J & K
• Idemitsu K-17
• BMW LA2634
• LT 71141
• Audi G-052-025-A2 & G-052-162-A1
• Volvo 97340
• MB 236.1, 236.2, 236.5, 236.6, 236.7, 236.9 & 236.10
• JWS 3309
• NAG 1
• ETL-7045E, ETL-8072B & N402
• Mopar AS68RC

HEAVY-DUTY, ON- and OFF-ROAD

• Allison C-4, TES 389
• ZF TE-ML 03D, 04D, 09, 14A, 14B, 14C, 16L, 17C
• Voith 55.6335.XX (G607, G1363)

POWER STEERING

• DEXRON®
• MERCON®
• ATF+4

*Not for use with CVT or Ford Type F applications.

Post by **JDS60R** » 15 Jun 2010, 21:26

Amsoil gives 30% off with a 10 dollar membership fee.

With Amsoil's extended service life, better heat transfer, better lubrication, oxadative stability and their discounts it turns out to be cheaper than the others in the long run.

I use it in the cars I service as we get the best results. It is very durable and the shift quality is fantastic.

Post by **JDS60R** » 15 Jun 2010, 22:51

Toyota type 4 is also meets JWS 3309 - it is a non synth and costs less than the non synth Volvo 1161540. I think the Mobil 3309 is the least expensive out there for a non synth.

sixvolvos · Post by **sixvolvos** » 19 Jun 2010, 17:35

JDS60R wrote:Amsoil gives 30% off with a 10 dollar membership fee.

With Amsoil's extended service life, better heat transfer, better lubrication, oxadative stability and their discounts it turns out to be cheaper than the others in the long run.

I use it in the cars I service as we get the best results. It is very durable and the shift quality is fantastic.

How do we know that Amsoil has an extended service life, except for their statements?
How do they get better heat transfer?
Do we need better heat transfer?
Better lubrication is not well defined, and it seems that the friction characteristics would be far more important.
Oxadative stability again is not well defined, and again it would seem that oxidation is not the highest priority if that is what it means.
So I hear claims that the car shifts good, the oil is clean, etc., but that is true for the factory specified fluid as well.
Also I know that Mobil 1 is not synthetic, but is highly refined petroleum-based oil. While Amsoil and maybe Redline are true synthetic, I see no evidence that synthetic is better than current high-end products.

I do use Mobil 1 in my S90 engine and trans because I tow a trailer many, many thousands of miles in hot weather.
The resistance to forming sludge due to high oil temps is by far the most important to me. Same with my S60T running 16 psi boost, but it does not do towing and realistically it is impossible to use full power except for a few seconds at a time.
Of course it uses 3309 in the trans for longevity and because the factory specifies that.

Sixvolvos

Post by **JDS60R** » 19 Jun 2010, 18:25

You can talk to Amsoil if you have any technical questions on their product. They have tons of testing data -or test it yourself.

As for lubricant posts:
These debates get heated and I want no part of them. I step in when someone is saying X is the spec when its Y but other than that I have no interest.

Feel free to doubt everything .I did before I chose my lubricants.

After 27 years of rebuilding and examining I know what I choose and why. I took my own measurements and had different lubes tested over the years. Amsoil just does a better job. I run it in everything I have or repair. When you see the difference first hand you will see it wasn't a close race.

As you continue to look for evidence I suggest you do not trust any person or marketing. I most certainly did not.

Do your own research and you will find your answer. Then you can trust it.

Post by **igel513** » 20 Jun 2010, 14:42

That was well written, JDS and I agree w/ u a 100%

Post by **LamboSE5** » 08 Feb 2012, 21:14

Is there a sticky/pinned thread on fluids? ATF's, Oil's, etc - It would be very nice.

I know BITOG.com exists, but I don't have quite enough time to study everything...and it's just opinions and "this is better wars" a lot of the time

I was this close to buys "X" ATF now 2 or three times over the last week or so. I just want to know which are the acceptable Synthetic (and I guess non-synthetic too, why not) ATF's for my car - a '98 S70 T5 SE.

I was just about to go out and buy 15litres of Mobil 3309 because I was told it was not only recommended by numerous sources, including folks at IPD, but I was told it was Synthetic, along with Valvoline Max Life Dex/Merc, Mobil 1. So, apparently none of these are sythetic.

What is/are the full Synthetic ATF's that are acceptable for a '98 S70 T5? From (just an opinion) best to worst would be cool too but I understand not wanting to start "this is better than that" wars. I just want facts. What's full synth. and recommended for a volvo.

Amsoil... what else? That available at walmart?
I have right now a 5L of Mobil super dexron VI.. which I think is a synthetic blend

Companies are allowed to just BS though.

EDIT:

I just had a very nice conversation with a man from AMSOIL...

Post by **LamboSE5** » 11 Feb 2012, 10:02

If you are keen on getting your hands on Amsoil for a 'non-rediculous' cost and don't have any retailers near you (/live in a village, like me), and want - say - enough to do a flush check out http://www.worldsbestoil.ca/
If you call the 800 # and end up wanting to get some, say you want to set up a "preferred customer account" which gets you dealer/wholesale prices. A case of 4 x 1 Gallons is about 15.75 Litres, so enough for a flush.