A well known lube engineer who frequents an oil site I post on has said the following (quotes from
www.bobistheoilguy.com):
Regarding ATF cleaning anything, PS boxes, injectors, etc:
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ATF does not have a high level of detergents or dispersants. I can see it lubricating the injectors and HP fuel pump, but cleaning, not in any real sense of the word.
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difference between ATF and P/S Fluid:
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About the only real diference between for example, O'Reilley's Off-the-Shelf PSF and Dexron III ATF is that the ATF has a few more friction modifiers.
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ATF Adds:
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The current lot of ATF (hydraulic) fluids contains lots of friction modifiers and very low additive levels. The Group II+ to Group IV/V fluids are 0W20 weights
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Analyses of Current ATF (definitely weaker than current oils):
Analysis Courtesy of Dyson Analysis
Analysis performed 3/2003.
Oil Brand/Weight : Blend of PAO/Group I, II ATF
Dexron III/Mercon Compatible
Type Equipment : Clean
Miles/Hours on oil : Clean
Total Miles/Hours : Clean
Results ppm/% Comments (blank=normal)
Wear
Copper 0
Iron 1
Chromium 0
Lead 0
Aluminum 0
Silicon 2
Tin 0
Additives
Molybdenum 1
Sodium 7
Magnesium 1
Zinc 8
Potassium 0
Phosphorus 247
Calcium 214
Physical Properties
Sulfur NA
TBN 2
Vis@100 C (cSt) 8.5
TAN 0.5
Iron from [pipe] corrosion. nothing really stands out to me.
Oil Brand/Weight : Full Synthetic ATF
Dexron III/Mercon Compatible
Type Equipment : Clean
Miles/Hours on oil : Clean
Total Miles/Hours : Clean
Results ppm/% Comments (blank=normal)
Wear
Copper 0
Iron 1
Chromium 0
Lead 0
Aluminum 0
Silicon 4
Tin 1
Additives
Molybdenum 0
Sodium 6
Magnesium 1
Zinc 3
Potassium 0
Phosphorus 255
Calcium 224
Physical Properties
Sulfur NA
TBN 2
Vis@100 C (cSt) 8.5
TAN 0.2
Final Comments : nothing out of ordinary
In the 60, 70s, and probably any time before then as well, the adds in ATF were stronger than in engine oil. Its light viscosity and high additive package compared to engine oil made it good. However, now ATF is just made to be slippery, and engien oil is made to be very robust in the DD package. So the best thing to do is a quick flush with a cheap HD diesel engine oil.
JMH