Gearbox oil, Castrol SMX S 75w-85 fully synth, suitable for 2004 EP3?? Few Q's

[The Dave]

As title, I've just bought my EP3 Civic Type R 2004, and I am just scooting through the history/paperwork/receipts.

I know most cars are quite fussy with gearbox oil so I'm wondering if this stuff is good for the EP3. It was done in 2009 approx 20,000 miles ago (car is on 63,000 miles now), it is running Castrol SMX S 75w-85 fully synthetic, the last owner bought 2 litres and it cost approx 18 quid.

1) Is this stuff good/bad/fine?

2) How much gearbox oil do these cars take?

3) How often should the gearbox oil be changed?

Thanks guys

 

[m1ke]

That's the correct stuff mate.

 

[The Dave]

Thanks mate, been having a search around, not getting too far with the search engine on here but loads of people saying stick to Honda MTF3?

Want my car to run perfectly, dunno if I should change it, paranoia kicking in here haha

Thanks again

 

[Chris.]

I've always read that Honda's own is the best stuff to use.

 

[The Dave]

Cheers Chris

I may get it changed soonish then... I will have to start a post finding out more about the service schedule, I have the service book somewhere etc and its all stamped up but if you're as picky as me you tend to change it way too often lol. I wanna try and change numerous fluids first of all on this car.

 

[m1ke]

Castrols SMX is an aftermarket equivalent.

 

[The Dave]

As long as it fits the specs I will stop worrying Do you guys recommend a change every year? I don't drive mega hard.

Also, do we have to do anything special to get 10% off at Opie Oils? I cant see a price difference by sticking myself down as a member on here... Was gonna order some top up oil as I have none yet (car runs Titan Pro S 5w/40 fully synth and changed every 6k so I will keep that up).

 

[The Dave]

I am gonna do my gearbox oil now chaps, car is on 70k so gonna do a big service, valve clearances etc.

So I shall get the Honda gearbox oil but how much do I need to buy?

Thanks!

 

[gsrhans]

75W-85 is wrong, it's to thick for Honda gearbox lubrication system
Use Honda MTF

Basically, you MUST use the correct transmission fluid in a Honda Transmission and should not use a performance gear oil as it is too thick and does more damage than good. Performance Gear Oils also lack the additives necessary for the smooth running of the synchronous engagement system, as well as a lot of them containining chemicals which disintegrate the brass synchro rings. This is not common knowledge because customers are led to believe marketing and/or technical advice related to your typically large hypoid transmissions, NOT your specialist Honda Transmission


Most consumers tend to follow the advice of your so-called "Performance Specialist" who are only concerned about the symptoms, rather than the cause, and usually end up recommending big-brand (and often expensive) performance gear oils. This is a 100% NO GO on a Honda Transmission. Although GL4 & GL5 Rated Gear Oils contain shock protection additives, they are also too thick for the oem Honda lubrication system. The engagement system (synchronous vs dog) is irrelevant in this case. Lubrication is the key word here.
A basic analogy would be: Oil is your transmissions blood supply and needs to flow smoothly. Clog it up with cholesterol (i.e thick gear oil), and it will have a heart attack. Not enough Iron (i.e shock additives), and it will get anaemic/weak.
Mfactory link

 

[The Dave]

Ta for the info mate. It's been seemingly fine since I've had the car (about 8 months now) but is booked in for loads of work inc a gearbox oil change in a week and a half for Honda MTF3 stuff