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

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SUMMARY

Used transmission fluid can serve multiple purposes beyond disposal, including its use as a component in homemade penetrating oil when mixed with acetone. However, the effectiveness of this mixture varies based on the type of transmission fluid. Additionally, regular Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is beneficial for lubricating and cleaning motorcycle chains due to its protective additives. Alternatives for disposal include mixing used transmission fluid with furnace fuel or using it as bar oil for chainsaws.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) properties
  • Knowledge of mixing lubricants and oils
  • Familiarity with acetone as a solvent
  • Basic concepts of oil recycling and disposal methods
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effectiveness of various transmission fluid types in penetrating oil recipes
  • Learn about the properties and applications of acetone in lubrication
  • Explore best practices for recycling used automotive fluids
  • Investigate the use of ATF in motorcycle maintenance and its benefits
USEFUL FOR

Automotive enthusiasts, mechanics, and DIYers looking to repurpose used transmission fluid for lubrication and maintenance tasks.

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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 ?
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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