Transmission Additives

[Bengal]

I have a high mileage mini-van whose transmission started to shutter. At the advice of a mechanic I added a transmission additive. It seems to have helped. On the bottle it says that the product is a must for towing vehicles and motor homes. So the questions is. Do you use additives in your motor home? Do you use in your flat tow behind? Just curious.

[16ACE27]

That would be a "no" for me.

[vkb]

Originally Posted by Bengal

I have a high mileage mini-van whose transmission started to shutter. At the advice of a mechanic I added a transmission additive. It seems to have helped. On the bottle it says that the product is a must for towing vehicles and motor homes. So the questions is. Do you use additives in your motor home? Do you use in your flat tow behind? Just curious.

Ron has not used Lucas Transmission additive...but, has used Lucas Gasoline additive for many years...not with every tank...but, has it available if he feels the need for it.

[Yvonnemarc]

You’re just delaying the inevitable. No snake oil will repair worn mechanical parts inside the transmission.
Time to pull the trigger and fix it or sell the van.

[Bengal]

I agree on the mini van... just trying to get the last few miles out of it but I was curious if people use the additives in their motor home or vehicles that are flat towed as a preventative.

[Bob Denman]

No additives here either...
But nothing lasts forever.

[MJC62]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

No additives here either...
But nothing lasts forever.

What he said.

[Lt Keefer]

Another vote for no additives in the transmission. The only additive I use is the fuel stuff from Lucas and only if I buy fuel from a non top tier gas station.

[ducksface]

They really do quiet things down, and drop temperatures in SOME applications.
The differentials and transfer cases on the expeditionary vehicle is packed with it.
A real m22 I used to have ran straight additives and made it really nice to shift and quieted it down some. It was $40 fill vs a $2 fill, but it felt like it had power assist....


While the $12 to $30 cost seems to put many people off and call it names they've heard others say, I've found them to cause no damage, make things quieter, and add chemicals and formulas too expensive for common inclusion in common oils and fluids.

The water wetter lowers my temp on one of the cars about 10 degrees.

This is an experience based post.

[Bob Denman]

I agree; they usually won't hurt anything...

But still... I can't help but think about this!

https://www.thorforums.com/forums/at...1&d=1583167211

[ducksface]

Yes, the claims are outrageous and often if based on anything ever it's Laboratory results.

Two things I hate to apply:
Anti seize and stp.
I can open an stp can and manage to get it on a door knob 100ft away without ever moving from where I opened the can.

Most of those additives should say:
Do not open except in a closed unventilated area.

[Bob Denman]

Anti-seize is right...
Get some of that goop on your hands... and then try to pick up a screwdriver!
Yup! You end up with a patch of it on your forehead, and your hat won't stay put either!

[Laco]

Transmission shudder, can be caused by so many different things. IMO no additive can solve the problem. How long has it been since the transmission was serviced? Sometimes a transmission shudder can be solved with fresh transmission fluid. That would be my first attempt.

[Bob Denman]

That's what mine is doping: shaking like a toad left in the freezer...
I just slap it into neutral at stop lights, and that works just fine!

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by ducksface

Yes, the claims are outrageous and often if based on anything ever it's Laboratory results.

Two things I hate to apply:
Anti seize and stp.
I can open an stp can and manage to get it on a door knob 100ft away without ever moving from where I opened the can.

Most of those additives should say:
Do not open except in a closed unventilated area.

First, no on additives.

Next, the only time I ever used STP was in my earlier days when I was building engines for a living I would used STP on the crank and rod bearing during assembly to provide extra lubrication for the first minute or two while an oil pump built up pressure during the initial start.

[MJC62]

Late 60's early 70's used car buyer beware. Any car on the lot with high mileage was likely loaded up with STP.

[lwmcguire]

Well I have to disagree a bit with many of you

The correct additives may help as the original fluid contains additives. It isn't the answer if you need service or a fluid change however it might buy you some time getting that set up

We have used all types of additives over the years in large heavy equipment with great success

Read up on the additive to determine if it is snake oil or a true additive. Product fact sheets and the SDS, as well as industry publications will clarify what is what

The SCA for your radiator is an additive just like adding Marvel Mystery oil or the Cat equivalent into your hydraulic system to keep the jacks from slipping and banging

[cbach]

Originally Posted by Laco

Transmission shudder, can be caused by so many different things. IMO no additive can solve the problem. How long has it been since the transmission was serviced? Sometimes a transmission shudder can be solved with fresh transmission fluid. That would be my first attempt.

Truth in this...if it's a torque converter shudder, clean fluid will likely fix it. However, if the trans hasn't been serviced regularly and the clutch packs are being held together by varnish, clean fluid will wash out the varnish and it may never move again.

[Yvonnemarc]

Slick 50 from the 80’s. LOL Fill and drain a taxi cab with this stuff then run it with no oil. That cab ran forever!!!

[ducksface]

I'm going to suggest that many of you look up a YouTuber by the name of
Project Farm
And report back.