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Smoother and more accurate shifts, Motul 300 Gear Lube is a low cost easy mod and worth it:)

jeff

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Great stuff, really made a nice improvement, for normal driving it can be noticed, on the track greatly so.

Get two bottles, drain the stock lube, add 300, go:)
Thanks to all for this thread.

I've got 2 bottles of this stuff ready to install. I've had great success with Motul, Royal Purple and other aftermarket gear oils in the past on other vehicles.

Was curious how many miles you guys have driven on the Motul 300 and if there were any issues. I've read that MPG is not affected but in theory it could be. Just curious before I install as to what to expect long-term.
 


M-Sport fan

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Thanks to all for this thread.

I've got 2 bottles of this stuff ready to install. I've had great success with Motul, Royal Purple and other aftermarket gear oils in the past on other vehicles.

Was curious how many miles you guys have driven on the Motul 300 and if there were any issues. I've read that MPG is not affected but in theory it could be. Just curious before I install as to what to expect long-term.
In reality, the MPG (and even the HP to the wheels) would probably be on the order of FRACTIONS in difference. ;)

The reason the manufacturers spec/use those very thin engine oils (and getting thinner EVERY YEAR!) and gear/transmission fluids is purposely TO GET those said fractions of a MPG on a FULL FLEET basis, so that they can still offer their high profit margin, 15 MPG on the highway 'tanks' to the masses, and be in legal compliance with the Federal CAFE and EPA requirements.
 


neeqness

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Thanks to all for this thread.

I've got 2 bottles of this stuff ready to install. I've had great success with Motul, Royal Purple and other aftermarket gear oils in the past on other vehicles.

Was curious how many miles you guys have driven on the Motul 300 and if there were any issues. I've read that MPG is not affected but in theory it could be. Just curious before I install as to what to expect long-term.
I have been using motul 300 for about 47k miles on my car (changed it once but it didn't really need it at the time) and so far it is my favorite fluid. Eliminates nearly all gear noise and is great imo.

Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk
 


jeff

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I have been using motul 300 for about 47k miles on my car (changed it once but it didn't really need it at the time) and so far it is my favorite fluid. Eliminates nearly all gear noise and is great imo.

Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk
Thanks for the quick reply guys!

So neeqness did you notice any drop in MPG in all those years?

Also install question - using the 2 plug method (drain bottom plug, fill top plug) instead of the pump method, when you drain the 1.7l from the bottom plug what method are you using to keep more than what you want to drain out? I see that you'd catch it all but it seems like a very messy job trying to plug it up when it's gushing out.

Thanks!
 


OP
R

RAAMaudio

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Thread Starter #205
With the EFR turbo we have seen 41 MPG when my wife followed me driving the FiST behind our RV from CA to AZ a couple of years ago but it was easy driving at 55 to 65 and not much of a pass to go over. We have loaded up over 600 lbs and went from the bottom of the mountain up to Tahoe and around the lake cruising and averaged 38.5 MPG. Not sure how much the gear lube helped but big turbo and that kind of mileage is pretty damn fine:)
 


M-Sport fan

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With the EFR turbo we have seen 41 MPG when my wife followed me driving the FiST behind our RV from CA to AZ a couple of years ago but it was easy driving at 55 to 65 and not much of a pass to go over. We have loaded up over 600 lbs and went from the bottom of the mountain up to Tahoe and around the lake cruising and averaged 38.5 MPG. Not sure how much the gear lube helped but big turbo and that kind of mileage is pretty damn fine:)
'Motorpacing' the RV helped out a great deal, but that is STILL very impressive for a huge snail upgrade! [twothumb]
 


jeff

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What's up folks...just swapped out my OEM fluid at 28,003 for the Motul 300...a few thoughts in no particular order:

- stock fluid was in good shape but I was surprised that stuff was lubricating anything, viscosity is like water almost...
- this job took about 45 minutes start to finish...put it on ramps, remove airbox/induction hose, drain, fill, torque to 30 ft/lbs, replace airbox/induction hose, go for a test drive...
- I used an empty washer fluid bottle to catch/measure the fluid, made 1L and 2L marks using water first, very little mess...
- forget the pump or hose, just drain it out the lower drain hole, then extend the spout on the Motul 300 to full length, then come up from underneath, stick the spout in the upper fill hole, while it's in there you can get the bottle around the charge pipe into a pouring position and in it goes, easy peasy, didn't spill a drop...
- 1.7 liters came out, see below...I spilled a tiny bit when draining but that's most of it, full drain...
- I put 2.0 liters in because of what the very helpful @MissSTrouble said on my build page which I've quoted below...- I only drove a few miles on my test drive but so far wow what a nice difference...
- chatter between 1-2 shift is gone...
- shifts are smooth like honey butter on a yeast roll...
- in addition to smoother shifting the clutch seems smoother....of course this is placebo but here's the thing - I suddenly found that I didn't have to rev the car up and/or accommodate the clutch when shifting from 1st to 2nd in order to make it smooth. Now I didn't even realize that I had been doing that until I didn't have to, then I was like "Hey wow that's really nice!". Such is true of life, sometimes we only notice things in the absence of them, whether good or bad.

Thanks again to all who helped lead me in this mod.

Jeff, FWIW, I lost my original trans running the OEM Ford DCTF at 6,000 miles due to output bearing shaft failure. 4,000 miles later on the new trans, I switched to Motul 300. I’m currently sitting at 70k miles with zero issues, and you know how much power I’m putting down, so I’d say you’re pretty safe with the Motul 300. I changed it for some fresh Motul at 50k, and noticed it had sheared down some.

Side note: When I drained to DCTF to put in the Motul 300, I actually drained 2.2L out of the trans. I called Ford and spoke to the master tech, who told me that when a FiST came in with a bad output bearing, they’re instructed by engineering to overfill the new trans. Apparently, the standard fill spec is a suspect in causing the bearing to fail. In any case, he told me to put at least 2L in, so that’s what I did. 2 full liters of Motul 300 went in, and again later when I put fresh fluid in. Like I said, zero issues all this time later, not even a leaky axle seal. Shifts smooth and quiet.

 


neeqness

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Thanks for the quick reply guys!

So neeqness did you notice any drop in MPG in all those years?



Thanks!
Sorry jeff, just noticed this reply and mainly because I just happened to be browsing through the thread. After trying to reply I see that I must have been logged out automatically somehow since I had to login to reply...

But as far as the difference in mileage over the years...surprisingly my mileage has actually increased since I put it in overall but I changed to 300 fluid pretty early. I think I had no more than 20k and it might have been a lot less than that. When I first switched, it was difficult to say for sure in my case because I also changed tires around the same time and (more importantly) the smoothness gave me more confidence to push it a little more. So ultimately I am not sure how much it may have increased alone.

Yes I know that sounds contradictory to what I just said earlier, but I've heard that new cars generally tend to get better mileage as they are broken in and I've been considering that as the reason for the improved mileage over the years. But who knows, maybe the engineers are wrong and the improved viscosity actually improves mileage even though it is thicker? It wouldn't be the first time but someone else may have to verify that for me...

On the otherhand, my main reasons for switching to Motul 300 were to reduce wear in the tranny which is a much higher priority for me. The gear noise and feel using the stock fluid (and even with the motul dctf, though reduced in comparison to stock) was too much in my opinion for proper lubrication and I didn't personally feel comfortable driving with either fluid. For me, a slight decrease in mpg is worth the extra piece of mind. When it comes to improved mileage for our purposes, I think transmission fluid is more of a tweak than a deal breaker.

That said, I probably average 27 - 30 mpg now and I drive somewhat spirited depending on my mood and sense of urgency at the moment. I think the biggest factor on mileage is the driver. There were rare moments when I got 24 mpg or 35 mpg...all depending on the ratio of street vs highway driving and how aggressive I drove.

Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk
 


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jeff

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Sorry jeff, just noticed this reply and mainly because I just happened to be browsing through the thread. After trying to reply I see that I must have been logged out automatically somehow since I had to login to reply...

But as far as the difference in mileage over the years...surprisingly my mileage has actually increased since I put it in overall but I changed to 300 fluid pretty early. I think I had no more than 20k and it might have been a lot less than that. When I first switched, it was difficult to say for sure in my case because I also changed tires around the same time and (more importantly) the smoothness gave me more confidence to push it a little more. So ultimately I am not sure how much it may have increased alone.

Yes I know that sounds contradictory to what I just said earlier, but I've heard that new cars generally tend to get better mileage as they are broken in and I've been considering that as the reason for the improved mileage over the years. But who knows, maybe the engineers are wrong and the improved viscosity actually improves mileage even though it is thicker? It wouldn't be the first time but someone else may have to verify that for me...

On the otherhand, my main reasons for switching to Motul 300 were to reduce wear in the tranny which is a much higher priority for me. The gear noise and feel using the stock fluid (and even with the motul dctf, though reduced in comparison to stock) was too much in my opinion for proper lubrication and I didn't personally feel comfortable driving with either fluid. For me, a slight increase in mpg is worth the extra piece of mind. When it comes to improved mileage for our purposes, I think transmission fluid is more of a tweak than a deal breaker.

That said, I probably average 27 - 30 mpg now and I drive somewhat spirited depending on my mood and sense of urgency at the moment. I think the biggest factor on mileage is the driver. There were rare moments when I got 24 mpg or 35 mpg...all depending on how aggressive I drove.

Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk
No worries thanks for your thoughts.

There are differing schools of thought on all of this; I'm not a mechanic nor a physicist but I agree with your opinion that the thicker fluid reduces wear and is better for the car. Some swear that Ford engineered the transmission to take Ford-spec fluid, and if my transmission goes I will eat my words, but like I said earlier after draining that stuff and seeing the consistency (that of coffee) I'm shocked it's even allowed near the car.

It's been a week now with the Motul 300 and the car is really enjoyable. Smooth shifts and quiet gearbox. Very happy with this mod.
 


neeqness

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Funny thing is that it gets even better...
No worries thanks for your thoughts.

There are differing schools of thought on all of this; I'm not a mechanic nor a physicist but I agree with your opinion that the thicker fluid reduces wear and is better for the car. Some swear that Ford engineered the transmission to take Ford-spec fluid, and if my transmission goes I will eat my words, but like I said earlier after draining that stuff and seeing the consistency (that of coffee) I'm shocked it's even allowed near the car.

It's been a week now with the Motul 300 and the car is really enjoyable. Smooth shifts and quiet gearbox. Very happy with this mod.
Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk
 


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I just filled with motul 300 and the shifting now is much better. The notchiness has been drastically reduced.
 




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