[Sentoa] Synthetic ATF

[Mark & Susan Perlick]

I have zero experience with synthetic ATF, however that won't stop me from
making a few comments.  First, I would be surprised if a smaller company
would go through the full battery of testing required to gain Dexron
certification.  The big oil companies do the certification to sell ATF to
the transmission factories producing as many as 10,000 automotive
transmissions per day.  The aftermarket for ATF is tiny by comparison.
Actually, GM Research Fuels and Lubricants Department might respond to an
inquiry asking if Amsoil is certified for Dexron II or III since GM does not
like trademark infringement.

Secondly, the primary failure mode for ATF is oxidation associated with
extended high temperature operation like automotive trailer towing in high
ambient temperatures.  Instead of the ATF being transparent with a reddish
tint, it turns brown and develops a burned, rancid odor.  I would expect
synthetics might be more resistant to oxidation.  However, I doubt normal
operation of our tugs would ever result in this condition.

Again, I'd stick with well established products rather than experimenting on
my boat.

Mark Perlick
Steadfast NT37-050