Used/old transmission fluid should be useful for something else?

  • Thread starter Thread starter abdulbadii
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Fluid Transmission
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential uses of used or old transmission fluid, particularly as a component in penetrating oil formulations and other applications. Participants explore various methods of repurposing transmission fluid, including mixing it with acetone or using it in lubrication contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose using used transmission fluid as a constituent in penetrating oil when mixed with acetone or other lubricants.
  • Others note that the effectiveness of blending transmission fluid with acetone may depend on the specific type of transmission fluid, with mixed results reported in personal experiences.
  • One participant mentions using vegetable oil as an alternative for penetrating oil and discusses the benefits of mixing regular automatic transmission fluid (ATF) with heavier oil for lubricating motorcycle chains.
  • Another participant highlights the heat resistance of transmission fluid, suggesting it performs well in disassembly situations, especially when parts are warm from heating.
  • Some participants share methods for disposing of used transmission fluid, including mixing it with furnace fuel or using it as bar oil for chainsaws, while also mentioning recycling options available in their areas.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of opinions on the effectiveness and practicality of using used transmission fluid in different applications. There is no consensus on the best method or the demand for such repurposing, indicating multiple competing views remain.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention that the success of mixing transmission fluid with acetone may depend on the specific formulation of the fluid, and there are unresolved questions about the optimal ratios and conditions for effective use.

abdulbadii
Messages
43
Reaction score
1
TL;DR
used/old transmission fluid as another useful one; penetrating oil
Can a used/old transmission fluid be as a penetrating oil constituent along with acetone 100%, common lubricating oil or grease, etc ?
 
Last edited:
Engineering news on Phys.org
I have seen recipes for making penetrating oil from a transmission fluid by adding acetone. The problem is that it will depend on the type of transmission fluid you have, and how well it mixes with acetone. I have never had any luck blending my own, and there will never be a huge demand for penetrating oil.

I dispose of clean used transmission fluid by adding it to furnace or diesel fuel.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Lnewqban
I get into a lot of situations where I disassemble things that require a penetrating oil. Transmission fluid on it's own is pretty good. It also takes a fair amount more heat than the average light oil. After all, it's designed to take it. Sometimes I will mix a little WD 40 with it but not in large batches. So if I have heated something with acetylene to aid in disassembly, ATF is the first thing I go to when parts are still warm.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Lnewqban
Baluncore said:
I have seen recipes for making penetrating oil from a transmission fluid by adding acetone. The problem is that it will depend on the type of transmission fluid you have, and how well it mixes with acetone. I have never had any luck blending my own, and there will never be a huge demand for penetrating oil.

I dispose of clean used transmission fluid by adding it to furnace or diesel fuel.

I've just drained it into a tank until the solids settled out and used it as bar oil for chainsaws, usually mixed with used crankcase oil. I'm not a big saw guy, so I never had enough saw work to deal with this, except after a hurricane.

An oil burner would be my suggestion as well.

The recycle options available around here are usually at every automotive parts house and many automotive/truck repair locations. I've found dumping it at the recycler to be pretty easy, if that option is available. Some auto shops use the oil for on-site heat.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: abdulbadii

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
8K
Replies
3
Views
9K
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
4K