Originally posted by warmonger:
Hmm. Talked the test results over with the Redline representative and he finds that they are plausible enough to be MTL, including the sulpher percentages. So, No complaints from that department.
He goes on to say that the FMC lube appears to be a 40w base oil, like a motor oil, definitely FAR different than the type of lube results one finds when using ATF.
After reading the results of the FMC lube he raised an eyebrow that there could be any complaints over using MTL in comparison?? The gist of it is that IF the new specs called for FMC, then the MTL would definitely satisfy the lubrication requirements of our transmissions now more than they would when calling for ATF; when viewed by comparison.
He was more adamant now after seeing the results about recommending the MTL as a satisfactory lube and it reiterating that the MTL will NOT cause a failure than he was when we discussed ATF as the recommended lube because apparently MTL is more similar to the FMC honey than to the ATF. ??

It seems a little scary that we (collectively, we at CEG) have raised a concern and Red Lines performance and they have no explanation. It would be appropraite for them to show some concern and perhaps step up to take a sample of used MTL from Pete's trans and investigate it more deeply. It sounds like they really don't care.


Again, I'm not fighting this fight anymore so as was posted above, you people decide and if you have any questions buy the FMC lube (honey). I'm just presenting a little more information. Seeing the test results and having them stated plausible is a good step in the right direction. It doesn't help us determine that MTL is harmfull or that indeed it is anything other than a differently formulated lube.
What we need now is a more detailed spec sheet on the MTX-75 lube requirements that goes into detail on additive requirements and limits.
If ANYONE from FMC would be happy to oblige us that would be great! Then we can determine any and all fluids that are suitable.

Looks more and more like using straight synthetic motor oil would be just as good too!



To me, the scary thing here is that Red Line doesn't seem to show much concern. We (that is we collectively here at CEG) have raised a concern about their MTL based on more than one observation of the performance of their fluid. Their response is basically to say it should have worked. I would most certainly expect them to show a bit more concern. It would be a class act at this point for them to step up and ask Pete if they could run an analysis of their own on the sludge found in his transmission.

It is a common thing in industry, especially among ISO 9000 certified companies, to issue a Suppliers Corrective Action Form (SCAR) when a deficiency is found or suspected. I wonder if Red Line would respond to a SCAR from a consumer. In industry, failure to respond appropriately usually leads to the supplier being removed from the approved suppliers list and loosing future business.

Jim Johnson 98 SVT 03 Escape Limited