Conventional 5W-30 No Longer Available?

HotWheelsBurban said:

So where does one obtain proper Dexron lll? Now you've got me concerned that I put the wrong stuff in my trucks, topping them off....

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I don't think it'll be an issue as long as you're not buying dollar store oil/ATF. I think I have a jug Valvoline and I've also got Walmart/Supertech (probably from Warren). GM may not be licensing Dex3 anymore, but that doesn't keep other comapnies from selling it. They just can't say it's GM approved/licensed/official/whatever.

I've never used DexVI. I don't think it's worth the money for my 300K mile 4L80E, even if it would work. When I had my Saturn, I was told not to use it, on the Saturn Forum, and I'm certainly not going to put it in my TH400 in my LeSabre. I'm not sure what my Volvo uses..... I think the steering system uses Dexron, but the transmission is an Aisin.

454cid said:

I've never used DexVI. I don't think it's worth the money for my 300K mile 4L80E, even if it would work.

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I can confirm that it does work, at least so far.

To be fair I have no idea how many miles are actually on the junkyard 4L80E in my red truck, but it was pulled from a truck with 300K+ on the odometer. It's been running GM Dexron 6 for the past four years with no problems, and I definitely haven't been easy on it.

Guess all our 5-30 is the blend. The 10-30 is still conventional. Multiple brands like this.

L31MaxExpress said:

I DO trust the aftermarket more than I trust GM.

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fair enough

454cid said:

I don't think it'll be an issue as long as you're not buying dollar store oil/ATF. I think I have a jug Valvoline and I've also got Walmart/Supertech (probably from Warren). GM may not be licensing Dex3 anymore, but that doesn't keep other comapnies from selling it. They just can't say it's GM approved/licensed/official/whatever.

I've never used DexVI. I don't think it's worth the money for my 300K mile 4L80E, even if it would work. When I had my Saturn, I was told not to use it, on the Saturn Forum, and I'm certainly not going to put it in my TH400 in my LeSabre. I'm not sure what my Volvo uses..... I think the steering system uses Dexron, but the transmission is an Aisin.

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Steering that used Dexron III SHOULD NOT Use dexron VI. if you want to be safe, use GMs conventional power steering fluid spec (Just called power steering fluid)
The anti-foam properties of dexron vi will not do good things to the fluid as far as bleeding the air and the fluid is not compatible with all seals (esp in a foreign make car)
TH400 thats used shouldnt use Dexron VI, but brand new rebuild it would be ok but it should be understood that dexron VI is higher viscosity than Dexron III at temperature, so there may be reason to adjust the governor or whatever can change line pressure.

In a really old transmission, dexron VI may also clean the varnish that contentional fluid leaves over. Like enough to plug up a solenoid screen. It does have to work on it for a while, so its safe in a pinch but If you were to pull the dipstick and the dipstick has "stained" from the fluid, its prob unwise to use dex vi

HotWheelsBurban said:

So where does one obtain proper Dexron lll? Now you've got me concerned that I put the wrong stuff in my trucks, topping them off....

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88861800 GM/AC Delco

Yes I use power steering fluid in that system. Not sure what "Dex" I'm using because that bottle is in the crew cab (and it's not where I am!). Today is " change fuel pump on Burb" day.

HotWheelsBurban said:

So where does one obtain proper Dexron lll? Now you've got me concerned that I put the wrong stuff in my trucks, topping them off....

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I used RedLine's D4 ATF in my C5's T56. Wasn't cheap, but it liked it.

O-O-O-O'Reillys has stuff they claim is DexIII that is about half the price.

AuroraGirl said:

88861800 GM/AC Delco

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That number pulls up as Delco gear oil

Oriellys offers multiple versions of dex III. House brand is called premium atf. I only mention oreillys because i work there and i can easily check.

1990C1500 said:

That number pulls up as Delco gear oil

Oriellys offers multiple versions of dex III. House brand is called premium atf. I only mention oreillys because i work there and i can easily check.

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It brings up Dexron III but in the new package(since 2006)
That MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND TRANSFER CASE (not to be confused with a synthetic newer fluid sold by GM under similar wording) fluid is Dexron III
Go buy one, its even dyed red. Flows like ATF. Is ATF. The SDS I even scoured a modern one jsut to check, and its still mostly a petroleum byproduct and red etc
Oreillies offers several jugs of fluids that say DEX (or DEX III) and Mercon
But Dexron III is no longer policed, anyone can put it on their label, and Mercon (original) is no longer made, period, but Mercon V is fords replacement which is policed unlike mercon. that being said, Ive used that valvoline in my e4oD and my 4t65e. Worked fine.