Thread: R380 oil cooler

Originally Posted by rick130

Ashcrofts specify MTF94 or equivalent too.

Yes, they said, but I can't find any easily; Is a LR dealer the only source?

There are a bunch of 75W-80 and 75W-85 syn MTF's out there, I'd try and find what's relatively easy to obtain and use it.

Yes, I saw a few, but was unsure of suitability. Thanks for this info. We planed an early oil change anyway, so I'll go the way you suggest I reckon.

I don't think Caltex are bringing in mTF94 anymore ?

Valvoline Duragear 75W-85 is a popular choice if you can't find Syntrans 75W-85. A few of the Land Rover specialist garages use it.
Redline MTL or MT85 would be good (although I prefer the shift characteristics of Syntrans, but individual 'boxes can vary wildly, eg Pat303 loves MTL in his old Tdi Deefer) etc.
Penrite Pro Gear 75W-85 has had some really good reports too and there are a bunch of other similar brews available.

I've found that in summer here we need the higher viscosity fluids, particularly when D1's and Defenders don't have the oil cooler fitted.
The full syn MTF's are only just lasting 20,000km as they are shearing anyway, an R380 g/box is a pretty hostile environment for a fluid with its cast iron case, (particularly without an oil cooler) pressure lubrication and limited oil volume.