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Nv3500 fluid type

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Old 10-19-2016, 02:17 PM
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Default Nv3500 fluid type

Okay there seems to be some confusion on what exactly is the correct fluid for this tranny. I have researched and come across some that say any name brand 5w30 is what to use, others say dodge Synchromesh, and others say 75 90 gear lube. What is the correct fluid for this tranny really. Also anybody know what size that Allen plug for draining and filling the tranny is? I don't have one that fits it and will have to buy one
 
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Old 10-19-2016, 04:56 PM
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Funny you mention that. I was looking on line at the transmission you purchased and it appears they say any 10w30. I would call them and ask. The NV3500 is supposed to use synromesh 10w30 which is not motor oil. Pennzoil and several others make it.
Or look in your owners manual and see what they show. But I believe you will shorten the life if you do not use the proper fluid.

The drain plug, is a 17mm. VW uses the same size. I purchased a short one on ebay, that I then can use in a socket. $10.00
 
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Old 10-19-2016, 05:52 PM
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Originally Posted by 93 ragtop
Funny you mention that. I was looking on line at the transmission you purchased and it appears they say any 10w30. I would call them and ask. The NV3500 is supposed to use synromesh 10w30 which is not motor oil. Pennzoil and several others make it.
Or look in your owners manual and see what they show. But I believe you will shorten the life if you do not use the proper fluid.

The drain plug, is a 17mm. VW uses the same size. I purchased a short one on ebay, that I then can use in a socket. $10.00
I checked the website and it says 5w30 of any name brand and then I called them and the guy I talked to said that they use 5w30 but to be honest the residue leftover fluid in it from them running it on a dyno looks almost like ATF.
I wanna make sure I run the right stuff so it lasts a long time.

And okay thanks for clearing that up I could tel it was a rather large Allen bit.
 
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Old 10-19-2016, 11:06 PM
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This is from Allpar.com's section on the NV3500:

Chrysler and GM, respectively, recommended Mopar Manual Transmission Lubricant (4874464) or GM Synchromech Transmission Fluid (US 12377916; Canada 10953465). Less expensive alternatives certified to meet Chrysler MS-9224 and GM 9985648 include AMSOIL Synthetic Synchromech Transmission Fluid (MTF), Pennzoil Synchromesh Fluid, or Royal Purple Synchromax. Its capacity is 4.2 pints dry, which is stated in the owner and service manuals. (See Vince Spinelli’s gear oil article)

5W30 engine oil does not contain additives for the use in manual transmissions. Also, additives in the standard gear and the axle lubes will etch the bronze synchronizers and 80W oil does not flow properly into the NV3500 bearings. The use of regular gear and axle lubricants in this transmission can cause destruction.
I use Pennzoil Synchromesh.
 

Last edited by ragged89; 10-19-2016 at 11:13 PM.
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Old 10-20-2016, 01:53 AM
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Originally Posted by ragged89
This is from Allpar.com's section on the NV3500:



I use Pennzoil Synchromesh.
Thanks! I may try the Royal purple bc im not a fan of any Pennzoil stuff personally. And have you had good luck with that fluid?
 
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Old 10-20-2016, 10:16 AM
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Originally Posted by dakota1996
Thanks! I may try the Royal purple bc im not a fan of any Pennzoil stuff personally. And have you had good luck with that fluid?
I understand. So far, no problem with the Synchromesh fluid, but I may try something different in the future. My trans is quiet, smooth, and shifts pretty well, so I can't really complain, but if I had to come up with minor gripes, it would be that the throw is maybe a bit long and the movement is stiffer than I like. I'm used to a Neon RT as my daily driver though, and it has a very light, quick shift which has spoiled me.

If changing to a different fluid could give me a lighter feeling shift, I'd be interested in trying it.
 
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Old 10-20-2016, 10:20 AM
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Originally Posted by ragged89
I understand. So far, no problem with the Synchromesh fluid, but I may try something different in the future. My trans is quiet, smooth, and shifts pretty well, so I can't really complain, but if I had to come up with minor gripes, it would be that the throw is maybe a bit long and the movement is stiffer than I like. I'm used to a Neon RT as my daily driver though, and it has a very light, quick shift which has spoiled me.

If changing to a different fluid could give me a lighter feeling shift, I'd be interested in trying it.
Oh I know the feeling I have a little Ford zx2 for a daily and it's the same way. Also check out my other two new posts on the cross member and the 3500 update I need some input.
 




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