Thread: Cheap zf oil finally

It's obvious ZF isn't interested in licensing any competing fluids, unlike GM with Dexron VI which is a shame.

Maybe let someone else do the experimenting over the next couple of years, at least until its proven.

Originally Posted by rick130

It's obvious ZF isn't interested in licensing any competing fluids, unlike GM with Dexron VI which is a shame.

could it be because they are 90% owned by the makers of the zeppelin and they're still having a bit of a sulk


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Gulf Western say their Syn-TS is Lifeguard 6 compatible. Syn-TS 10W - Gulf Western Oil - Gulf Western Oil

SYN-TS™ is suitable for use in ZF 6 Speed ZF6HP26 Transmissions.

In an email to me about L322 transmission fluid, GW wrote:

a product called Syn-TS, a full synthetic transmission fluid which meets the ZF TE-ML 11B specification. This specification is the ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 specification and what is required for your transmission. The Esso LT 71141 is no longer available, it is now called Mobil ATF LT 71141. Both our Syn-TS and the Mobil ATF LT 71141 meet this ZF TE-ML 11B specification.

Originally Posted by p38arover

Gulf Western say their Syn-TS is Lifeguard 6 compatible. Syn-TS 10W - Gulf Western Oil - Gulf Western Oil



In an email to me about L322 transmission fluid, GW wrote:

Ron, fluids such as Castrol Transmax Z are actually licensed 11b fluids which are fully synthetic Dexron IIIH fluids.
They aren't LG6 fluids so I'd take that email with a grain of salt.

2 years or so ago I used a Nulon oil in a ZF fitted in a Ford Territory.
Claimed to meet the ZF specs, I'll have to dig out the details.

Box had done 210,000km and the plastic pan sprung a leak. Did a half change with the Nulon oil and replaced the sump.
No problems but only kept the vehicle for another 6 months.

Colin

Recently bought a Ford with ZF 6speed auto. Did a lot of research, trying to find replacement oil instead of ZF lifeguard. I came to the conclusion that any oil which claims to be "multi-vehicle" is a compromise, and may not suit the ZF. I think the trans is an excellent gearbox, and makes the car a pleasure to drive, so like garrycol said previously in this post, for the sake of $100 difference in price, I will stick to the specified oil.
cheers
pete

Originally Posted by fredd63

Recently bought a Ford with ZF 6speed auto. Did a lot of research, trying to find replacement oil instead of ZF lifeguard. I came to the conclusion that any oil which claims to be "multi-vehicle" is a compromise, and may not suit the ZF. I think the trans is an excellent gearbox, and makes the car a pleasure to drive, so like garrycol said previously in this post, for the sake of $100 difference in price, I will stick to the specified oil.
cheers
pete

What is it about the ZF design that means it needs a very specific oil ?

Are there any documented failures where use of the incorrect oil has been proven to be the cause ?

I understand why they won’t honour a warranty if you’re not using ‘their’ oil but on an older vehicle I’m happy to use an alternative if the manufacturer claims it meets the ZF spec.

Colin

Originally Posted by gromit

What is it about the ZF design that means it needs a very specific oil ?

Are there any documented failures where use of the incorrect oil has been proven to be the cause ?

I understand why they won’t honour a warranty if you’re not using ‘their’ oil but on an older vehicle I’m happy to use an alternative if the manufacturer claims it meets the ZF spec.

Colin

My Independent used a non-ZF oil in my D4 changes were harsh, flaring was obvious. I used them because I trusted them, they were convenient and I didn't realise they would use a non-ZF oil. I went back after 6000km to my auto transmission specialist he flushed it and used LF6, changes returned to their previous smoothness with no flaring.
In my discussions with him he told me of taxis who were trying to save a buck using alternatives, both times the transmissions failed long before the taxis using LF6. He sees taxis with over 800000km with no transmission problems using LF6.