Replacing WS transmission fluid with ARCO Graphite Oil?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by kohnen, Apr 1, 2010.

  1. kohnen

    kohnen Grumpy, Cranky Senior Member

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    Hi All!

    I have an '07 Prius. Reading the posts, folks recommend changing the transaxle fluid at about 60000 miles.

    I have a bunch of old ARCO Graphite motor oil (10W-40). Our transmisions have no clutches, only gears and a drive chain.

    It seems to me that, in this case, the graphite in the oil would be ideal for minimizing wear in the Prius transmission.

    What do you guys think? Should I replace my transmission fluid with 4 quarts of ARCO Graphite oil? Good idea, or bad?

    Thanks!
     
    #1 kohnen, Apr 1, 2010
  2. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    Very bad idea...
     
    #2 firepa63, Apr 1, 2010
  3. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Extremely bad idea. Excluding considerations of chemical content, Toyota ATF WS has very low viscosity, one or two steps up from water. 10W-40 is very viscous, so you would expect to see much more drivetrain friction.
     
    #3 Patrick Wong, Apr 1, 2010
  4. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    The motor-generator windings are exposed to the ATF. Graphite conducts electricity. You have a very bad idea that could cost you $$$ to repair.

    JeffD
     
    #4 jdenenberg, Apr 1, 2010
  5. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    April Fools? :madgrin:

    I actually tried Arco Graphite oil in the 80's in my Ford Courier. It was difficult to tell the condition of the oil from looking at the dipstick because the stuff was pitch black when even when new. I remember that it stained the paint permanently when I accidentally spilled a drop on the hood.
     
    #5 dogfriend, Apr 1, 2010
  6. 2009Prius

    2009Prius A Wimpy DIYer

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    Right on! :D
     
    #6 2009Prius, Apr 1, 2010
  7. kohnen

    kohnen Grumpy, Cranky Senior Member

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    DING DING DING DING DING!!!!!

    I was wondering how long it would take! :rolleyes:
     
    #7 kohnen, Apr 1, 2010
    1 person likes this.
  8. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    I wonder if Arco Graphite oil has any collectors value? It was certainly unique.
     
    #8 dogfriend, Apr 1, 2010
  9. kohnen

    kohnen Grumpy, Cranky Senior Member

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    Folks are trying to sell it on the net for ~$10 per can as a collector's item (that's how I got the info).

    I bought and used ARCO Graphite oil back in the day [sadly, I can't quite remember when that day was]. Worked fine, no problems with it. It was oil - meh. But, yeah, God help you if you dripped it on ANYTHING that you didn't want to be stained! The former home of my parents STILL has the stain of a messy graphite oil change on the garage floor.

    (I've been waiting for April Fools for ~6 months after I came up with the idea for the original post).
     
    #9 kohnen, Apr 1, 2010
  10. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    That was my experience as well.
     
    #10 dogfriend, Apr 1, 2010
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    ouch! i am so gullible!:rolleyes: good one!
     
    #11 bisco, Apr 1, 2010
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