P38 ZF Auto oil spec/brand

[Hammer H]

Time for Auto trans oil & filter, spec is dextron 3, just wondering if there are any preferences or if there is a synthetic for this,

cheers

Paul

[discorevy]

I use Fuchs 4400 , but you could also use penrite ATF/ fs, both are miscible with standard dex3 as you'll only get around 5 litres of the 9.5 litres total out with a standard oil / filter change.

[PhilipA]

I use Castrol transmax Z in my D2 and also used it in my RRC 91. My RRC auto was excellent at 240KK and my D2 is excellent at 190KK..

Transmax Z is approved by ZF and recommended for use in heavy duty applications.

It is expensive at $95 approx. for 4 litres, but hey a lot cheaper than a rebuild.

I wouldn't bother if the car has been neglected over a high mileage as autos are dying from the day they first turn.
Regards Philip A
Supercheap no longer stock it but Repco does and you can sometimes get it 30% off.

[Hammer H]

Thanks Fellas,

i had some Dex 3 sitting around so I've dropped the pan and also changed the filter, I will change the fluid once more with the Dex 3 to hopefull flush it and later change to one of the recommends fluids.

pain in the but doing in on the ground, thank god for the lift kit

Paul

[redandy3575]

Nulon synthetic auto transmission fluid is also worth a look.

[TheTree]

I use the Penrite ATF FS in mine and it seems fine

Steve

[benji]

I was told by the castrol rep in Bendigo that ZF doesn't recommend synthetic as it can strip the glue that holds the bands on - it certainly seems a credible source.

I've always used their ATF dex3.

[PhilipA]

I was told by the castrol rep in Bendigo that ZF doesn't recommend synthetic as it can strip the glue that holds the bands on - it certainly seems a credible source.

Well the rep was wrong.
Have a look at the ZF approved fluids list published by ZF and you will see Castrol Transmax Z which is a synthetic.
Regards Philip A

ATF for ZF automatic transmissions (http://62.129.226.18/prnd.biz/advice/oil.htm)
or from ZF themselves
https://aftermarket.zf.com/remotemedia/lol-lubricants/lol-en/lol-te-ml-11-en.pdf

[TheTree]

I was told by the castrol rep in Bendigo that ZF doesn't recommend synthetic as it can strip the glue that holds the bands on - it certainly seems a credible source.

I've always used their ATF dex3.

That's interesting ... Nulon only list full syn for ZF ZF - Nulon Products Australia (https://www.nulon.com.au/specs/44/ZF)

It may be the ZF 6, 8 and 9 speed Automatic Transmissions ... which have the problem

I have emailed Penrite for their suggestions

Steve

[TheTree]

From Penrite


Question:
HI Is this Full Syn oil ok for my ZF 4HP24 transmission ? Thanks Steve
Answer:
Yes, ATF FS is fine for this transmission, If you have any further questions please email our Tech Team on tech@penriteoil.com.au or 1300 736 748[/TD]

[PhilipA]

But wouldn't posters feel more confident if they use an ATF actually approved by ZF in preference to an ATF that an oil blender claims is OK for a ZF transmission.

Call me old fashioned but that is what I think.
Regards Philip A

[benji]

So it is, I'm not sure why I was told this then.

I found this interesting, and this maybe what you are after Phillip.
The hp22/24 is listed in TE-ML 11.

Lubricants and List of Lubricants - ZF Aftermarket (https://aftermarket.zf.com/go/en/aftermarket-portal/technical-information/lubricants/)

[TheTree]

So for the HP22 and HP24 it says ...

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) according to lubricant classes 11A / 11B=> Refer to the following pages for approved commercial products

or

Automatic Transmission Fluid

(ATF) based on mineral base fluids according to former Dexron-II / Dexron-III specification by General Motors.

=> without listing

So that says any mineral based DXIII fluid is OK

Penrite has this page Product Recommendations | Penrite Oil (https://www.penriteoil.com.au/product-recommendations)

They list straight DX111 and ATF MHP semi syn as the recommended fluids.

So the message that the full syn is OK is not exactly in line with the recommendations from Penrite


Steve