Check this out...I took my 96 Civic to an instant oil change place and after talking me into replacing my trans fluid, they put 10W30 in it. Owner's manual sez only use Honda Manual Trans Fluid. I found out after it was in there for about 8 months, after the vibrations started. Took it to the dealer and had fluid replaced, but noise and vibration just got louder and louder. A tranny shop told me today that since you can hear the noise in every gear the bearings are bad, and maybe the syncros and the seals too. My question is what is the likelyhood that running 10W30 in the trans for 8 months caused the bearings to go bad?

 

10W30 can be used as a temporary fix. I've done it on people's trannys that forgot to get Honda MTF.

I'd assume that the oil would seriously break down after a while... 8 months is not good man... :ugh:

 

:werd: I have also used it as a temp. fix (for other peoples cars :chuckles: ) but like you said 8 months is a long time and the oil will break down. I say that the bearings probably need to be replaced. The synchros may be ok as long as its not hanging in gear or grinding going into gears. :happysad:

 

Remember, the Honda factory service manual instructs people to use only MTF in the transaxle; it specifically states that engine oil does not contain the proper additives. The quick lube shop is at fault here, and they should be brought to justice.

 

I superman shall stop these villians!!! :quesupermantheme:

 

Back in the days before Honda MTF came around, the factory recommendation was 10W40. It shouldn't be that bad.

 

Exactly. My 92 Civic Helms manual has no mention of Honda MTF since it was written beforehand. Obviously, Honda MTF is ideal as it has the proper additive package but I'd be cautious about blaming the use of motor oil as the cause of the bearing noise.

 

not for hot high reving 4 cylinder's....

 

You don't know how happy I was to read your reply. I'm in the process of taking them to small claims court, I just wish I could get something in writing from a proffesional to present in court stating that this kind of damage is exactly what happens if you put the wrong fluid in.

 

I'm pretty sure 10W40 was the standard trans oil for the early Civic&CRX SiR (B16A) and the 92-93 Integra GS-R (B17A.)