crushnut

This may be a stupid question, but is it possible to add a external filter for a manual tranny? If it isnt possible ok But if it is where and how could i get and install one?

Much Thanks,
Josh

 

crushnut

Well............... i did some searching and it doesn't look like there is such a thing for my transmission I really wanted to add a external filter to it for extra protection. Although it does look that such a item does exist but only on big diesel trucks

jerryp58

You could always run synthetic and a cooler to keep the fluid nice & cool.
Heat = Bad

I thought I've seen generic filters for auto transmissions that basically use something similar to the remote engine oil filter setups. I'll have to search around the Web for a bit.

__________________

Jerry
2004 Frontier, King Cab, XE, 4x1, 4-cyl, 5-spd
My Frontier Page

96R50

The problem is that your manual transmission does not have a pump to circulate the oil through itself or a filter. Use the recommended Nissan oil, GL4 only. Manual transmissions don't mind heat like an automatic transmission. Change your fluid regularly (I change mine every 30,000 miles) and you'll be fine.

jerryp58

Whoops! Missed that little word "manual".

Like the man said, just change it regularly.

__________________

Jerry
2004 Frontier, King Cab, XE, 4x1, 4-cyl, 5-spd
My Frontier Page

 

crushnut

I have Redline MT-90 in it right now, should it still be changed at 30k? Or can the synthetic go longer? Since there is no filter and no way to add one, the debri/crap is just going to get recirculated and possibly cause damage?

Thanks

jerryp58

I believe the synthetic lasts longer, but the dealership told me that to not void my warranty I had to change fluids at scheduled intervals whether I use conventional or synthetic, so I'll probably do that. It's more expensive, but I guess it's better for the vehicle in the long run.

I think you'll be "filtering out" the debris enough by doing the oil changes.

__________________

Jerry
2004 Frontier, King Cab, XE, 4x1, 4-cyl, 5-spd
My Frontier Page

96R50

I use MT-90 in my transmission as well. I have been changing it every 30M miles because I am very picky about maintenance, I tow my boat a lot in the summer and my daily commute is short. I think that with this oil the change interval can be longer, but I choose not to use that option.

As for debris floating around, with the exception of the brass synchronizers the magnet on the drain plug will capture most of it. Unless there is some real trouble there will be very little material covering the magnet when you drain the transmission. I find that it is a small amount of fine debris that is very much the consistency of oil coated graphite.

crushnut

Could you drill and tap into the tranny and add an external filter along with an external pump to circulate the fluid from the trans through the filter and back into the trans? Would that work?

Its hard to believe that no one out there with a manual tranny hasnt done this before.

Bror Jace

"Could you drill and tap into the tranny and add an external filter along with an external pump to circulate the fluid from the trans through the filter and back into the trans? It's hard to believe that no one out there with a manual tranny hasn't done this before."

I'm sure it's been tried ... maybe in endurance sports car racing? However, the weight of the plumbing, the complexity of another exterior auxiliary pump and the connection points which are always a chance for leaks probably outweigh any protection gains you might get. Best to merely drain the oil periodically.

For manual tranny oils, I like Specialty Formulations MTL (75W-85) and MTL-R (75W-90):

http://www.specialtyformulations.com...es/Page457.htm

Both are GL-4 lubricants developed especially for syncromesh trannies not unlike Red Line MT-90 and a handful of others.

Don't use any old 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil in a syncromesh transmission.

__________________
--- Bror Jace

 

crushnut

How long can you safely go before changing a synthetic tranny fluid, 60K? I'm currently using Redline MT-90.

The reason i wanted to add an external filter is so i could go longer than 30k on the synthetic fluid, just change the filter and maybe top it off a little and be good to go, since the fluid should last a fairly long time since it is not subject to combustion.

Thanks

Bror Jace

With a top quality syncromesh lubricant like Red Line Oil, Motul or Specialty Formulations, I would consider the maximum interval in your manual to be pretty safe.

Still, I'd swap it out every 30,000-40,000 miles. It's just not that big of a job.

__________________
--- Bror Jace