Gearbox Oil

[RichardK]

As you all may be aware the D3's are "filled for life" this is due to the very high quality oil recommended and used by Landrover.
However, should your gearbox develop a leak, (as mine has at present), or you feel that you may like to change it every X000Kms or for whatever reason, then you will require some replacement oil, conveniently packaged by Landrover and available at the dealers for around $71.00 per litre.

The oil used is in fact ESSO ATF LT 71141.

This oil is available in 20 litre drums from Imperial oil in Victoria at $355 for a 20 litre drum For WA Aulorians a $30 freight charge is added.

This equates for WAulroians to $19.25 a litre.....................Hmmmmmmmmm

If any WAulorian would like to have a share in a drum I want to get one, any interest?

[inside]

I would like to add that it is highly recommended to only use the specified oil in modern ATs.

I have a Peugeot 406 V6 that is "sealed for life" as they say. Well we all know that oil breaks down and turns bad eventually so most people do a change regardless. Some people used their favourite off the shelf ATF oil only to find they needed gearbox rebuilds at 120000km. Those who purchased the original oil at a higher cost have had long lasting service from their gearbox.

One would hate to think what a D3 gearbox would cost to rebuild. Ignore the sealed for life and change regularly is my recommendation*. Although I'm sure Land Rover will say no need to change sealed for life etc. Just ask the BMW and Mercedes owners that and they will tell otherwise. This is one area where it is worth seriously considering ignoring the service interval from the manufacturer.

*I am not an automatic transmission mechanic

[PhilipA]

It's always an idea to have a look at the transmission manufacturer's website to see the approved oils. The ZF site has approved oils for the 4HP22 on it and I would assume it will have the latest six speed approved oils.
No one knows better than the manufacturer.
Regards Philip A

[scarry]

the auto in the d2 is a good example.in 99 when they 1st came out the interval for changing the oil in the auto was either 60 or80k,i cant remember which.
after a few problems it was changed to 40k

[Bigbjorn]

The 4 speed electronically controlled auto in late Ford Falcons was also lubed for life, with the owners manual saying no change of oil needed. They don't even have a dipstick, let alone a drain plug. I thought this was a bit risky so I asked two auto trans specialists and two experienced mechanics. All agreed that the oil should be changed and the lines, cooler, and converter flushed. Bill Kelly of speedway fame was adamant that I should drop the pan and change the strainer, as well as flushing, at 100,000-120,000k's or I would have trouble. I mentioned this at the Ford dealership, with whom I was barely on speaking terms by then because of the continuing electronic unreliability of this vehicle. Their service manager agreed, and said they offer this service and to ignore the handbook as the recommended practice therein was risky. As is my usual practice, when I did this, I installed a drain plug.