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Old 05-11-2014, 08:26 AM   #19
Bellipotens
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 380646
Join Date: Feb 2014
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: Queens, NY
Vehicle:
2015 WRX Premium CVT
DGM

Default

Three types:

BLUE - CVTF-C30 - Has higher viscosity than CVTF-II
Stock codes: SOA427V1600, SOA868V9245

GREEN - CVTF-II - Lower viscosity than C30, eventually replacement for G1, G2 CVT fluids (EXCEPT HIGH TORQUE)
Stock codes: SOA427V1610, SOA427V1600, SOA868V9245

ORANGE - High Torque - Different than both of the above
Stock code: SOA748V0200

Update:

So time has come for me to discuss CVT fluid change.
At 50k miles

I initially was not going to do this because up to now the color of the fluid and level looked good on my car (I did tests from time to time of the fluid by opening up the fill drain and inspecting its color on a white towel)

What caused me to move in the direction of needing to flush the fluid was the state of the cvt cooler lines. Before we go there the Mishimoto cooler is a very good cooler, it is actually a Setrab cooler.
Upon inspection the cooler was holding up great. No leaks or other issues with it (Was on my car over 4 years now). Now the lines they offer in the kit are ok but will not last too long sadly.
I began to notice numerous cracks in the hoses, mainly at the biggest stress points and that is where the hoses had to make a curve or at the connection points.

I reached out to Setrab and decided to purchase their transmission fluid hoses. I picked the ProLine Lightweight Fiber Braided Hose. Item description from Setrab:

SUSA LWN Lightweight Fiber Braided Hose is a stainless-steel-reinforced hose with a light-weight nylon outer-braid to provide traditional performance characteristics in a lighter-weight package.

Constructed of a chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) synthetic rubber, reinforced with a stainless-steel inner-braid, and protected by a light-weight nylon outer-braid.

Continuous operating temperature from -40ºF to 300ºF. Suitable for fuel, oil, coolant, and air.

Once the hoses arrived I immediately noticed the good quality, even my master transmission mechanic loved it. You will need two 5.5-6 feet hoses. 21-LWN08-B with the internal diameter of 0.44 inches.
I initially purchased the 21-LWN06-B but the internal diameter of 0.34 only can fit the Mishimoto cooler lines (very tight fit) but will be unable to fit the transmission line connectors on the car.

I have been talking to various amsoil engineers who worked on the cvt fluid and the decision for me to use their CVT fluid once I need to flush it was made a while ago.
I've used amsoil products in the past and even with this car when I had to change the differential fluid. The specs of their CVT fluid are very good and it is rated for our high Torque CVT (TR690).
The best part is that you do not have to purchase that enormous amount from Subaru when purchasing the orange CVT fluid. Various sizes can be purchased from amsoil.

During the drain process we were pleased to see the good color of the old CVT fluid that was draining out of my car. Still nice and orange but of course a bit darker than new. At 50k miles of numerous fun spirited drives this shows the importance of performing the stock cooler/warmer bypass. My master mechanic was pleased to see this and reported if you want to do it right you bypass the stock cooler. The stock cooler setup eventually burns the fluid and braises the TC and VB internals.

Drain and Fill in a nutshell:
So process was rather straight forward. Disconnect the lines and clean up the fluid that drained out of them (Have some towels ready). Attach new setrab transmission hoses.
Drain CVT fluid from the pan. I ended up flushing 6 quarts out of the pan. The total fill is about 13.1 qts.
I filled using the main fill plug and then the second fill plug a bit higher on the side of the transmission.
We used my master transmission mechanics transmission pump to pour it all in (Setup can be seen on the photos)
Of course make sure the car is warmed up - all is in the manual.

Opinion:

As stated above I am very pleased with the Mishimoto cooler. Definitely required lin upgrade but that's where Setrab ProLine Lightweight Fiber Braided Hose comes to save the car.
Amsoil CVT fluid in my opinion is great. I felt an immediate difference once it was in. To me there was a distinct improved "grip" of the CVT chain. Transmission sounds were also changed to lower levels.
Acceleration was another improvement but thats is related to the improved grip. Temperatures seemed a bit lower after spirited driving compared to before.
Overall I would recommend the Mishimoto cooler (Its a Setrab cooler), Setrab ProLine Lightweight Fiber Braided Hose and Amsoil cvt fluid.

Always special thanks to my brother Perscitus for helping me out with the project and to the secret master transmission mechanic aka "the master."



Links to items:

1. Setrab ProLine Lightweight Fiber Braided Hose 21-LWN08-B
2. Amsoil CVT fluid

Mishimoto cooler doing well at close to 5 years


Drained out CVT fluid (pan is dirty so just focus on color of the fluid)




Mishimoto kit lines failing



Setrab hose - old on the left and new on the right




Filling with Amsoil CVT fluid
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Last edited by Bellipotens; 04-10-2020 at 11:36 AM.
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