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View Full Version : KM145 Transmission Fluid Opinion


jedi_jackson
10-05-2018, 10:41 AM
Hey, new to the forum and I have an 88 Mighty Max with the 2.6 and KM145 transmission. It's getting a little hard to get into gear and I an going to change the fluid. I've read on a post here to use GL5 rated fluid. I am between Redline MT-90, Redline 75W-90, and Pennzoil Synchromesh. Any advise would be greatly appreciated!
broken7vessel
10-05-2018, 09:45 PM
Welcome! Here's what you need. It's GL5 rated and only $14 at walmart. After you are done filling your transmission, you can put the rest in your rear axle. Save yourself some money and pass on the Redline.
21185
geezer101
10-06-2018, 02:01 AM
Auto trans fluid. It's lighter and you would be surprised where ATF gets used where you'd think regular gearbox oil should be.

https://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=69574
pennyman1
10-06-2018, 10:39 AM
neither - you want GL-4 manual transmission fluid. GL-5 has additives that eat the brass synchros in the tranny, and ATF is to light for these trannys. Redline makes an MT-90 that is perfect for these trannys, and amsoil has an equivalent oil as well.
geezer101
10-06-2018, 03:24 PM
Borg Warner recommended ATF in their manual trans but it's vague about where else it could or should be used. General consensus is GL-5 has no place in these gearboxes due to potential synchro damage/wear.
Bbrooks00
10-14-2019, 05:52 PM
How much mt90 are you guys putting in the km145?
dedave
10-15-2019, 06:24 PM
Borg Warner recommended ATF in their manual trans but it's vague about where else it could or should be used. General consensus is GL-5 has no place in these gearboxes due to potential synchro damage/wear.

I've been running atf and works great. Made a world of difference in shifting, hot and cold weather.
xboxrox
10-18-2019, 05:43 AM
Before draining the tranny fluid make sure you can remove the fill plug... :thumbup:
claych
10-18-2019, 01:55 PM
I use Transynd atf (since 2004),
Formulated per Allisons spec by Castrol, the performance is outstanding.
HERE (http://www.irv2.com/forums/f125/former-allison-oils-engineer-back-and-ready-for-questions-108717.html) is excellent info from the Engineer whom designed the formulation.:thumbup:
xboxrox
10-20-2019, 12:18 AM
Guys, ATF is what the FSM says to put in the power steering system too..! We flushed out the old fluid & put in Redline brand AFT, steering is easier now...

My 5 speed tranny does not want to shift into 2nd gear all that easy & catching 3rd is sometimes tricky too... If I ever change the tranny oil I will check the FSM & Owners Manual (I wonder if ATF is what it calls for..?)