Re: Why ATF in Series 3 Spider Manual Tranny?

[C2slayman@xxxxxxx]

Paul,
       Yes.  Believe it or not, many manufacturers recommend ATF in their new 
design manual transmissions.  BMW for one.  But NOT Alfa on the 105/115 
gearboxes!  Moral of the story...unless you know more about the transmission 
design than the manufacturer, stick with what the manufacturer recommends.
       ATF is touted for shift smoothness.  But you also have to worry about 
gear lubrication and bearing lubrication along with syncro performance - if 
the transmission was designed for ATF lubrication of all three components, 
fine.  So make your own informed choices.  But I would stick with Spirax in 
your Series 3 box.

Cheers,
Charlie

PS  You have raised one of my pet peeves.  I believe the shop could be a 
"reputable European car repair shop."  I would not question their 
credentials.  But that probably means they are experts in BMWs, Mercedes, 
Audi and VW.  They probably see very few Alfas and are not familiar with the 
nuances of Alfas.  The only Alfa mechanics I trust are the ones who have LOTS 
OF ALFAS in their shop (ie more than half a dozen.)  It is possible to be a 
great mechanic and a shity Alfa mechanic all at the same time.


> Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2003 00:29:07 -0700
> From: pneese1@domain.elided
> Subject: Why ATF in Series 3 Spider Manual Tranny?
> 
> Why would someone fill a manual tranny with automatic transmission fluid?  
> I
> was surprised after discovering a leak (near top of tranny, smell of oil
> from shifter, can hear gears when clutch in not engaged), and reviewing the
> previous owner's records.  This was done at a reputable European car repair
> shop in So Cal.   
> 
> 
> 
> Any thoughts?
> 
> 
> 
> Paul
> 
> '87 Spider Veloce
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