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Made the switch to Amsoil Synthetic {EDIT: at 10k
miles} in the manual trans and differential. I believe the owner's manual recommends "inspection" of
the trans & diff oil every 30k for the 4-cyl, but I am just going to go ahead and change it every 30k (it's cheap enough
insurance for high dollar parts).
I used Amsoil Synthetic Manual Transmission and Transaxle Gear Lube 75W-90 API GL-4 in the manual transmission.
I used Amsoil Synthetic Gear Lube SAE 80W-90 (AGL) in the differential (2wd).
I was surprised at the amount of metal slush and filings on the drain plugs
after just 9600 miles. Check the pictures below.
| Differential Plug | |||||||||
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| Manual Transmission Plug | |||||||||
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UPDATE: I've had the synthetic in for over
6k miles now. I can't say I've noticed any difference in sound, feel, or mileage. I have also added Mobil 1 synthetic 5W-30 to the crankcase. Same thing there, no noticeable changes. Maybe I'm
just not very observant. Anyway, whether they're doing any good or not, I feel better knowing they're in there
(mostly because of the test I've seen that show engines, trannys, and differentials running cooler with synthetics in them).
I plan on changing the crankcase oil every 5k miles. My driving conditions probably qualify me for the "extended" service
rate of 7500 miles, but I think 5k is plenty.
UPDATE (7/15/2007): Well, I'm just about at 30k and I've changed my
trans and gear oil again. I stuck with the same Amsoil products. What came out was incredible. The stuff
looked almost new, it was that clean. I wish I had pictures of the drain plug magnets this time (sorry, my digital camera
was not available) because there was very little particulate matter on them. There was a bit of "slush", but
I would always expect that. So, we have one of three choices (that I can think of anyway) to choose from:
1. The Amsoil is doing a great job and keeping the gears from wearing
as evidenced by the lack of material on the magnets.
2. The original 9k wasn't long enough to turn the particles into slush.
3. All of the "heavy" wear had already taken place within the first
9k miles.
It's likely that 2 and 3 are the "most true" statements, but I was very pleased
with what I saw at these oil changes. I may change the oil again at 60k, but I think it's more likely that I'll give
this batch at least 50k miles (80k on the odo); keeping in mind that the maintenance schedule for the 2wd doesn't even call
for a oil change; only inspections.
Finally, it could be my imagination, but the transmission does seem to shift
smoother. I don't really understand that. I didn't notice any change after the first Amsoil change. I can't
believe there was enough of the original oil in there with the Amsoil to make a difference. Guess I'll see how it behaves
when the weather cools.