Manual Gearbox Oil Choice

[tazzman600]

Hello folks. It's about time my 53 plate ZT Diesel has its gearbox oil changed. I've had it 5 yrs and done approx 60k miles and the car is now on 100k miles and I know I've not changed the gearbox oil and I doubt its been changed at all. Got no probs with it mind but I'm wondering is it ok to use a Semi Synthetic Gear Oil. Just so happens I've got about 2.5 litres left over from using it many years ago in an Astra 1.8's gearbox (it was recommended then for that car).
If this isn't good enough then what has been used by other Diesel ZT owners?
What's recommended?

[SKS Disco]

Originally Posted by tazzman600

Hello folks. It's about time my 53 plate ZT Diesel has its gearbox oil changed. I've had it 5 yrs and done approx 60k miles and the car is now on 100k miles and I know I've not changed the gearbox oil and I doubt its been changed at all. Got no probs with it mind but I'm wondering is it ok to use a Semi Synthetic Gear Oil. Just so happens I've got about 2.5 litres left over from using it many years ago in an Astra 1.8's gearbox (it was recommended then for that car).
If this isn't good enough then what has been used by other Diesel ZT owners?
What's recommended?

Hi,
The recommended gearbox oil for these is spec MTF 94.
a 2.5 ltr bottle is part number VYK000020

[John C]

Yes, MTF 94 is the recommended spec. My local motor factors said they didn't have any so I got some from a Land Rover dealership.

Access to the filler plug is a pain - I tried a hand held oil suction gun, like a grease gun but for...oil. It didn't work, the MTF is like water and it pushed past the seal. So I used a large syringe left over from when our rabbit needed medication and that did the trick!

I did mine at around 80,000 miles.

[Mike Noc]

Originally Posted by tazzman600

Hello folks. It's about time my 53 plate ZT Diesel has its gearbox oil changed. I've had it 5 yrs and done approx 60k miles and the car is now on 100k miles and I know I've not changed the gearbox oil and I doubt its been changed at all. Got no probs with it mind but I'm wondering is it ok to use a Semi Synthetic Gear Oil. Just so happens I've got about 2.5 litres left over from using it many years ago in an Astra 1.8's gearbox (it was recommended then for that car).
If this isn't good enough then what has been used by other Diesel ZT owners?
What's recommended?

As mentioned MTF94. Fill the gearbox with that and it will run fine. Why risk putting anything else in?

Mike

[rovexCDTi]

I wouldnt use anything else. Use of the wrong oil (which rover specified but got wrong.. big shock..) killed many a PG1 box in the 200/400 at the beginning of production.

It should be noted that Millers XSS engine oil also meets MTF 94 spec. Its basically just semi synth or fully synth engine oil anyway with a few friction modifiers in it.

[bl52krz]

Originally Posted by John C

Yes, MTF 94 is the recommended spec. My local motor factors said they didn't have any so I got some from a Land Rover dealership.

Access to the filler plug is a pain - I tried a hand held oil suction gun, like a grease gun but for...oil. It didn't work, the MTF is like water and it pushed past the seal. So I used a large syringe left over from when our rabbit needed medication and that did the trick!

I did mine at around 80,000 miles.

[B]Hi. To fill the gearbox use a length of hosepipe about 3feet long and thread it from the filler for the gearbox through the engine to the top by the battery, Afffix funnel .Put the end in the gearbox then gently pour oil into funnel and keep checking gearbox for filling up. Then leave time for excess oil to drain from box.Put plug in./B]

[tazzman600]

Originally Posted by tazzman600

Hello folks. It's about time my 53 plate ZT Diesel has its gearbox oil changed. I've had it 5 yrs and done approx 60k miles and the car is now on 100k miles and I know I've not changed the gearbox oil and I doubt its been changed at all. Got no probs with it mind but I'm wondering is it ok to use a Semi Synthetic Gear Oil. Just so happens I've got about 2.5 litres left over from using it many years ago in an Astra 1.8's gearbox (it was recommended then for that car).
If this isn't good enough then what has been used by other Diesel ZT owners?
What's recommended?

Thanks for the replies and suggestions guys. I'll get the oil from XPart, price isn't an issue considering doing a sum of how much it costs per mile for a 100k trip. As for changing the oil that wont be a hassle, worst thing is taking the undertay off lol.. I will however add some ZX1 with the oil. I've recently learnt about it and have put some into my engine and Yes I've noticed a difference for the better (cold start, quieter)

[rovexCDTi]

NO!!!!!

ZX-1 is a concentrated solution of an additive that has been phased out of use over the last few decades. It corrodes brass and copper, burns to produce acids and other compounds that weaken piston rings and destroys cats. In a gearbox it can effect the syncromesh making gear changes worse not better.

Its ability to reduce friction was never in doubt, unlike Slick 50 and many others, but its the side effects that have caused it to be removed from oil.

[Mike Noc]

MTF94 on its own really will be fine.


Mike

[tazzman600]

Originally Posted by rovexCDTi

NO!!!!!

ZX-1 is a concentrated solution of an additive that has been phased out of use over the last few decades. It corrodes brass and copper, burns to produce acids and other compounds that weaken piston rings and destroys cats. In a gearbox it can effect the syncromesh making gear changes worse not better.

Its ability to reduce friction was never in doubt, unlike Slick 50 and many others, but its the side effects that have caused it to be removed from oil.

Mmmmmmmm, very interesting. What you have said totally contadicts whats on the ZX1 site. Quote from site: It does not contain particulates such as Teflon or P.T.F.E. Molybdenum or Zinc (as quoted by honest john) a common cause of blocked filters and airways has a toxisty level between milk and garden soil and it is not copper corrosive. Rover Ron suggeted using it anywhere you can, fuel, steering and gearbox. I wonder where you have got your info from?