ATF fluid changes ARE Required.

Weird, mine took exactly 3.6 qt.

 

I wonder if Toyota is sourcing transmission housings from different sources?

 

Ok, this begins to look 'normal':

Read more: http://priuschat.com/threads/atf-fluid-changes-are-required.119530/page-13#ixzz2SZTOfGgV

The viscosity decrease is consistent with what we've seen with Type WS and Type T-IV. My oil testing service, R&G Labs of Tampa FL reports that a 15% change in viscosity means the oil is 'worn out'. Other lubrication articles suggests that the polymers added to improve the viscosity range 'shear down' . . . mechanically torn apart by the shear stress. So going from 7.4 to 7.0 makes sense and a 15% decrease for the Mobil 1 would be 6.3 @100C.

Oil viscosity is a function of temperature so when a more viscous oil is used, it mechanically heats up to a thinner viscosity to a higher operating temperature. So the oil runs hotter, the parts run hotter, and more heat is lost through the cooling path.

What was abnormal was 12 @100C and the excessive particle load in the first sample.

Bob Wilson

 

These are suppose to be very good magnetic plugs from a reputable company. A user here made a thread about them....

Magnetic Oil Drain Plug Automotive Truck Motorcycle Industrial Engine

User Exstudent provides some good info and pics here....

Magnetic oil and ATF drain plugs by Goldplug | PriusChat

 

The Redline D6 showed excellent wear numbers on my last UOA. Redline now recommends D4 for the Prius. Called Dave at Redline and he was not able to tell me why only D6 was fine but there Engineering recommends D4.
Most likely the D6 viscosity was getting to thin over time as it was already thinner than WS.
I'm coming up on a 25,000 change so will have that UOA'ed over at Wearcheck.

http://www.redlineoil.com/content/files/tech/ATF%20PDS%201-10.pdf

 

I suspect D6 will shear down less than WS does and end up the same viscosity or even better than WS after a bunch of miles.

 

BG Products has a Universal cvt fluid conditioner that is suppose to add wear protection to your fluid....

BG Universal Synthetic CVT Fluid Conditioner is formulated to enhance the properties of new and used CVT fluid, prolongs fluid life and prevent deposit formation. It improves fluid oxidation stability and anti-wear characteristics. BG CVT Fluid Conditioner is designed for use in both belt- and chain-type CVTs and is compatible with all CVT fluids.
Part No. 302 11 oz. (325 mL) can



This is their spec sheet.....

http://kansasbg.com/Complete_Set_of_Spec_and_Tech/302_SPEC.pdf

I wonder if this would benefit Prii, or even a specific generation of?

 

Not even BG is saying it's suitable for Prius type transmissions.

 

Ok, thanks Xs. Did they say it shouldn't be used in Pri?

 

No, but they only said it's for belt and chain CVTs which the Prius isn't. As a general rule, aftermarket additives are snake oil.

 

Honda's belt-CVTs might get some good but the Prius uses an entirely different architecture.

Bob Wilson

 

It has been explained in this thread: This is why Redline D6 is not the best ATF in Prius | PriusChat

Your UOA will not show damage to plastic parts.

 

I see that you didn't bother to read the abstract I linked in the other thread on D6.

 

Is ENEOS ECO-ATF will be the best ATF in Prius?
JX Nippon Oil & Energy USA, Inc. | ENEOS ECO-ATF

 

That may be iffy. For example, they say it meets GM's Dexron III specs. The only problem is that GM has been using Dexron VI for some time now.

 

Interesting but nothing that really has me excited. It looks like Type WS.

Bob Wilson

 

Bob,

I have read many posts by you regarding ATF. My Persona has 3,500 miles on it. I was going to change the ATF at 5,000 miles, then at 25,000 and then every 30,000 after that. I was wondering if you agreed with those intervals?

Thanks!

 

With oil testing, yes. However, I suspect that the change interval can stretch out as the initial and residual debris is removed. I do not have the data but Jeff D. has data suggesting 90k miles is the optimum NHW20 change interval. The ZVW30 does not have the silent chain and that should lead to an even longer change interval.

Bob Wilson