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Coupling Fluid: Motor Oils and Transmission Fluids

Motor Couplings

A fluid coupling is used for a number of motorized applications, most notably cars, boats and aviation structures. Because it so often works with transmissions and engines, the fact that coupling fluid is usually specialized for that purpose is no surprise. Motor oils and automatic transmission fluids come in quite a variety, and are fascinating substances.

Motor Oils are meant to lubricate moving parts, which is why they are the perfect substance to fill fluid couplings. Not only can they be used to translate the power from one part of the engine to another, but they lubricate all of the parts at the same time. Lubrication is key to keeping metallic parts clean, as well as providing a barrier of sorts between two parts rubbing together and creating friction, which can cause the parts to break down more quickly and need replacement. The fluid used to power this certain style of shaft coupling is multi-purpose. Often motor oils are petroleum based, developed from crude oil. Additives are often added to strengthen specific characteristics. When fluid couplings are involved, low viscosity fluids are preferred.

Automatic transmission fluids can also be utilized as coupling fluids for flexible shaft couplings. It is specifically used in vehicles that automatically shift gears. This means it is used in cars and trucks more often then other motorized vehicles that require more precision and control, such as boats, farming equipment and manufacturing equipment. A highly specialized oil, automatic transmission fluids differ from traditional motor oils because of the extreme amounts of additional additives mixed in. This is why, depending on the demands of a specific system and fluid coupling, it is a preferred substance. Anti-wear additives, detergents, anti-foam additives, surfactants, rust-preventatives, anti-oxidant compounds and high temperature thickeners are just a few of the chemical compounds added to automatic transmission fluids to improve their work within fluid couplings and the motor and transmission systems at large.