Has anyone tried running filtered used atf, I may have a source (Trans shop), but don't want to try it if it's going to make problems. Would it have acids in it , like used motor oil has or so I've been told? thanks Jimrbch

1986 idi

 

I would NOT ues it in my truck. Wal-Mart 2 stroke oil is an excelent lub and it is cheap. Just add 10-12 oz at each fill up or better yet use B5 or B20 if you can get it.

 

I would be a little cautious with it. Not only is it likely to have a lot of very small particulates which you won't be able to filter (from wear inside the transmission) but ATF also contains a friction modifier additive package which means the fluid actually generates a certain amount of friction - to help clutches engage, etc - as opposed to true lube oil which is 'as slippery as possible'. Adding ATF may actually lower the lubricity value of the fuel.

Then there is the minor issue that most ATF is red, which may make your fuel red, then make Smokey red if they ever sample the fuel in your tank. (The government takes tax evasion VERY seriously - as I have said before, they would rather poison you to death than have you skip out on the tax for a bottle of booze)

 

ATF is very lubricative, in fact, many use it for a lubrication additive when they fill up to counter ULSD. NO, 2 quarts of ATF will not turn 20 gal of fuel red enough to turn the lawman red. I work for a diesel mechanic and we frequently put Allison Trannys in buses, we don't build the tranny, just swap them, and if you pull the oil pan down on a brand new rebuilt tranny that has never even been run, only tested, it already has metel particles in in the tranny pan. I would not reccomend using any used oil, tranny fluid, or anything that has been in an engine or mechanical maching before.

 

i am curently running used trans fluid in my 7.3 idi but NOT in my 01 PSD. It is a good lube and will make your engine run quieter. I ran 3 tanks of 100% but saw a noticable power loss and more smoke. cut it back to 75% trans fluid to 25% diesel fuel and returned to normal power. i would definitly filter before putting it in your tank. i have ran two 55 gal drums of it through my idi and have had no problems beside the strange smell. i would say go for it on your idi but a PSDs injectors are sensitive and cost too much. trans fluid is also a lot thicker than diesel so cut back to 50/50 in the winter.

 

i also run used motor oil and atf in my IDI truck. i do filter it though down to 1 mic before dumping it in. i have run up to a 50/50 mix of diesel/oil with no problem except some more smoke (which i dont mind).

seems to quite it down some to, not as much as bio though.