ATF for AL4

lancia58 · Post by **lancia58** » 27 Apr 2011, 07:00

Hi

I found the following ATF, in its Performance Levels it is written LT 71141
see link below for the full spec

http://www.valvoline.co.il/img/uploads/ ... 726583.pdf

Is it safe to use it for an AL4 ?

Thanks
Zohar

addo · Post by **addo** » 27 Apr 2011, 08:47

Are you unable to purchase the correct fluid, or is this alternative for a saving on cost?

The AL4 requires a fluid that can withstand high heat, yet maintain its basic qualities. This is where many alternatives don't compare well.

There's a summary of specs here, with DIN test numbers: http://www.taligentx.com/passat/mainten ... OSpecs.pdf

If you can find some similar tables for the Valvoline, it will help the comparison.

lancia58 · Post by **lancia58** » 27 Apr 2011, 10:10

This is the valvoline spec

http://www.valvoline.com/pdf/Maxlife_ATF.pdf

Thanks
Zohar

addo · Post by **addo** » 27 Apr 2011, 10:51

That specification is quite different, particularly its kinematic viscosity (thicker, slower flowing than the genuine fluid).

I also noted that Valvoline's "MaxLife" product seems to be different for different markets! So it may be that the Israeli market item is not like their published specification sheet for a US/Canadian market ATF...

If you can buy Castrol Transmax Z, this is a much closer specification oil.

Post by **CitroJim** » 27 Apr 2011, 11:54

As I've said before, Esso/Mibil LT71141 is the ONLY fluid for the AL4 (and 4HP20)

This thread, in exquisite detail, explains why and why these apparent substitutes are not in fact substitutes at all...

lancia58 · Post by **lancia58** » 27 Apr 2011, 12:15

The Esso can be obtained from only one source that sells it in a barrels of 200 liters. The other possibility is to buy the genuine Citroen ATF but it is relatively expensive, three times as the Valvoline. Anyway I wont use an ATF that is not recommended, I know these AL4s are very sensitive to the ATF. I guess I’ll use the genuine Citroen AL4 oil.

Thanks
Zohar

addo · Post by **addo** » 27 Apr 2011, 12:26

I've had the LT71141 in plastic 20 litre containers - surprised these are not offered to you. Price was about AUD$8/litre, so quite cheap at $160 for the whole drum.

Obviously, if you had to pay 6000 ILS for 200 litres it would make alternatives a temptation!

Mobil also sell LT71141. Don't know if that offers more possibilities.

lancia58 · Post by **lancia58** » 27 Apr 2011, 12:35

They used to have these 20 liter containers but not anymore, the price for 1 liter at the Citoren service is around USD $28.
BTW speaking about the AL4s, very often the shifting form the 1st to 2nd is not smooth, is there anything that can be done ? I read that replacing the valves to the Borg Warner valves may help ? The car has 78000 miles and three years ago on 50000 miles the ATF was changed. I found this link that claims for AL4 repair kits
http://www.sonnax.com/product-lines/tra ... nit%5D=204
Does any one know something about it. Although it is written Renault it is applicable for Citroen AL4 as well for example
http://www.sonnax.com/system/new-announ ... 40-01K.pdf

Thanks
Zohar

hanskj · Post by **hanskj** » 27 Apr 2011, 13:20

http://www.multi-shop.pl/index.php?prod ... &search=ok