Rep Power: 0

I'm looking to change the MT fluid in my '97 Civic within the next few days. Any tips or recommendations before I dive into this? I've heard some things about not flushing the tranny, just fill and drain. Also, I went to my local Honda dealer today for tranny fluid and they said they only have '98 and above, will that work? Or could I just use Pennzoil Synchromesh.

Thanks for any and all help guys!

 
Rep Power: 518

Find a different dealer, or a smarter parts person.

Use the Honda manual trans fluid.
I bet the bottle states "for use in ALL Honda manual transmissions".



C&P from Alldata:

Genuine Honda Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) preferred, or an API service SG, SH or SJ grade motor oil with a viscosity of SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 as a temporary replacement. An SG grade is preferred but SH or SJ may be used if SG is not available. However, motor oil does not have the proper additives and continued use may cause stiffer shifting. Drain and replace with Genuine Honda Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) as soon as convenient.


Motor oil used to be what was used in the transmissions, but I forget when they changed to a specialty fluid.


HTH