Changing fluid in a ZF6.....
05-19-2004, 12:59 AM
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Changing fluid in a ZF6.....
Should I go with the GM spec fluid...or use the synthetic BMW M5 oil that Bill Boudreaux suggests? Ive also heard of people using synthetic Castrol motor oil. My ZF6 trannie was replaced about 10k miles ago with a GM rebuilt so I figure its time to change the fluid. What brand fluid do you think?
05-19-2004, 02:39 AM
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Re: Changing fluid in a ZF6..... (DarkHalo)
I would recomend the BMW Oil that bill suggests, i replaced the oil in my ZF6 that had 75000 miles on it... it truely made a difference. The BMW oil is the Castrol 10W-60 and most places dont stock that so you have to go to the BMW dealership. around $9.00 a quart and i believe you need 3 or 4.
actual test comparing regular gear oils to Synthecs shows 20 - 30% less internal drag using a synthic oil... kinda cool :cheers: :chevy
actual test comparing regular gear oils to Synthecs shows 20 - 30% less internal drag using a synthic oil... kinda cool :cheers: :chevy
05-19-2004, 03:13 AM
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Re: Changing fluid in a ZF6..... (DarkHalo)
Get the BMW stuff.
You need three bottles. You'll use two full ones and 1/4 of the third.
You need three bottles. You'll use two full ones and 1/4 of the third.
05-19-2004, 07:27 AM
#4
Burning Brakes
Re: Changing fluid in a ZF6..... (DarkHalo)
I used Redline Manual Transmission oil with good results; smoother shifts, quieter operation. Changed with 65,000 miles on the clock of a 92. Redline sort of caters to the racing crowd.
05-19-2004, 08:18 AM
#5
Re: Changing fluid in a ZF6..... (DarkHalo)
I used the GM fluid when I changed mine because I didn't know about the BMW stuff. The BMW is supposed to be thicker and is also synthetic, I'll probably give it a try next time.
05-19-2004, 08:27 AM
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Re: Changing fluid in a ZF6..... (DarkHalo)
John,
I want to change the lubricant in my ZF, too. Let me know when you plan to do it and I can come up there/you can come down here. We can watch each other break tools and inflict damage upon ourselves and our C4's...
:lol:
Larry
code5coupe
:seeya
I want to change the lubricant in my ZF, too. Let me know when you plan to do it and I can come up there/you can come down here. We can watch each other break tools and inflict damage upon ourselves and our C4's...
:lol:
Larry
code5coupe
:seeya
05-19-2004, 10:08 AM
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St. Jude Donor '03
Re: Changing fluid in a ZF6..... (GS919)
Go with the BMW stuff. Seems to shift smoother. :steering:
My next fluid in there too! :seeya
05-19-2004, 04:05 PM
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Re: Changing fluid in a ZF6..... (bogus)
BMW/Castrol TWS 10-60 synthetic.
I have it, good stuff.
I have it, good stuff.
(Q.) I just bought, at the local BMW dealership, 3 liters of the Castrol TWS 10W60 oil. I was surprised to see that it is motor oil. Not being a lubrication engineer myself, who did the investigation and determination that this product is compatible with and good for our ZF transmissions? Jim – Grand Sport Registry
(A.) Jim, the C4 Corvette ZF S6-40 6-speed transmission uses engine oil for lubrication. I was told by Jeff Henning, Warranty Administrator of ZF Industries North America, that Engineering of ZF Industries in Germany determined that the BMW imported Castrol (RS superceded by TWS) 10W-60 oil was the recommended alternative to the (GM P/N 1052931) factory-fill oil for use in the ZF S6-40 transmission. In effort to verify ZF Industries alternative lubricant recommendation, we ran our own test series on the BMW imported Castrol TWS 10W-60 oil. Independent testing of the transmission oil samples was sub-contracted out to CTC Analytical Services. The test series went as follows:
<1> Spectrographic analysis indicated that it is has full synthetic composition.
<2> After 2 hours of operation, approximately 100 miles, oil sample analysis tests indicated that the viscosity rating was reduced from 60 down to a 43 level. No need to worry, this is a normal occurrence for this heavier type of oil. I attribute this to microscopic-level lubricant-strand trimming through operational loading where all of the oil contents has been passed through gear pressure-loading regions at least a few times.
<3> At 200 miles, the viscosity level stabilized at a 42 level viscosity since the 100 mile oil analysis test results.
<4> At 5000 miles, the oil analysis test results indicated a 40 level viscosity.
The test-transmission was completely disassembled and checked for wear. There were no signs of carbon film like experienced with the factory-fill oil. The phosphor-bronze lined synchronizers had no glazing and experienced an average mass loss of approximately 4% based on reserve-wear-range mass equivalency between 0.062"(new) and 0.048"(spent)
gap wear/mass measurements.
<5> At 10,000 miles, the oil analysis test results indicated a 39 level viscosity.
<6> At 12,500 miles, the oil analysis test results indicated a 37 level viscosity.
<7> At 15,000 miles, the oil analysis test results indicated a 34 level viscosity.
The test-transmission was again completely disassembled and checked for wear. There were no signs of carbon film like experienced with the factory-fill 30 oil. The phosphor-bronze lined synchronizers had no glazing and experienced an average mass loss of approximately 17% based on reserve-wear-range mass equivalency between 0.062"(new) and 0.048"(spent) gap wear/mass measurements.
<8> At 15,000 miles the oil had enough phosphor-bronze particles suspended
in it that deposits began building up inside of the synchronizer sliding
sleeves from the normal centrifuge-like rotational occurrence.
In Conclusion, until someone invents a copper magnet, we recommend that the ZF S6-40 6-speed transmission oil be changed at 10,000 - 12,000 mile intervals so as to minimize the amount of deposits of the suspended spent synchronizer material from collecting in critical component contact surface areas.
(A.) Jim, the C4 Corvette ZF S6-40 6-speed transmission uses engine oil for lubrication. I was told by Jeff Henning, Warranty Administrator of ZF Industries North America, that Engineering of ZF Industries in Germany determined that the BMW imported Castrol (RS superceded by TWS) 10W-60 oil was the recommended alternative to the (GM P/N 1052931) factory-fill oil for use in the ZF S6-40 transmission. In effort to verify ZF Industries alternative lubricant recommendation, we ran our own test series on the BMW imported Castrol TWS 10W-60 oil. Independent testing of the transmission oil samples was sub-contracted out to CTC Analytical Services. The test series went as follows:
<1> Spectrographic analysis indicated that it is has full synthetic composition.
<2> After 2 hours of operation, approximately 100 miles, oil sample analysis tests indicated that the viscosity rating was reduced from 60 down to a 43 level. No need to worry, this is a normal occurrence for this heavier type of oil. I attribute this to microscopic-level lubricant-strand trimming through operational loading where all of the oil contents has been passed through gear pressure-loading regions at least a few times.
<3> At 200 miles, the viscosity level stabilized at a 42 level viscosity since the 100 mile oil analysis test results.
<4> At 5000 miles, the oil analysis test results indicated a 40 level viscosity.
The test-transmission was completely disassembled and checked for wear. There were no signs of carbon film like experienced with the factory-fill oil. The phosphor-bronze lined synchronizers had no glazing and experienced an average mass loss of approximately 4% based on reserve-wear-range mass equivalency between 0.062"(new) and 0.048"(spent)
gap wear/mass measurements.
<5> At 10,000 miles, the oil analysis test results indicated a 39 level viscosity.
<6> At 12,500 miles, the oil analysis test results indicated a 37 level viscosity.
<7> At 15,000 miles, the oil analysis test results indicated a 34 level viscosity.
The test-transmission was again completely disassembled and checked for wear. There were no signs of carbon film like experienced with the factory-fill 30 oil. The phosphor-bronze lined synchronizers had no glazing and experienced an average mass loss of approximately 17% based on reserve-wear-range mass equivalency between 0.062"(new) and 0.048"(spent) gap wear/mass measurements.
<8> At 15,000 miles the oil had enough phosphor-bronze particles suspended
in it that deposits began building up inside of the synchronizer sliding
sleeves from the normal centrifuge-like rotational occurrence.
In Conclusion, until someone invents a copper magnet, we recommend that the ZF S6-40 6-speed transmission oil be changed at 10,000 - 12,000 mile intervals so as to minimize the amount of deposits of the suspended spent synchronizer material from collecting in critical component contact surface areas.
I guess Ill head out to get some Castrol synthetic.
05-19-2004, 04:29 PM
#11
Race Director
Re: Changing fluid in a ZF6..... (DarkHalo)
I change my fluid every other oil change. Over kill? Probably. But after a hard 3-4 hour drive in the heat, all the fluids seem to loose something. I'm staying with the GM synthetic as it does okay in my ZF6.
05-19-2004, 10:36 PM
#13
Premium Supporting Vendor
Re: Changing fluid in a ZF6..... (DarkHalo)
AMSOIL recommends either their SAE 5w30 Synthetic Oil, Series 2000 0w30 Sythentic or the Series 3000 5w30 Heavy Duty Diesel Oil.
I'd appreciate it if you took a look at this comparision of various motor oils: http://www.c66racing.com/ComparativeTesting.htm
The complete AMSOIL product application guide for your vehicle can be found at:
AMSOIL Online Product Application Guide
Thanks for letting me jump in!
:cheers:
I'd appreciate it if you took a look at this comparision of various motor oils: http://www.c66racing.com/ComparativeTesting.htm
The complete AMSOIL product application guide for your vehicle can be found at:
AMSOIL Online Product Application Guide
Thanks for letting me jump in!
:cheers:
05-19-2004, 11:31 PM
#14
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Re: Changing fluid in a ZF6..... (Subdriver)
AMSOIL recommends either their SAE 5w30 Synthetic Oil, Series 2000 0w30 Sythentic or the Series 3000 5w30 Heavy Duty Diesel Oil.
I'd appreciate it if you took a look at this comparision of various motor oils: http://www.c66racing.com/ComparativeTesting.htm
The complete AMSOIL product application guide for your vehicle can be found at:
AMSOIL Online Product Application Guide
Thanks for letting me jump in!
:cheers:
I'd appreciate it if you took a look at this comparision of various motor oils: http://www.c66racing.com/ComparativeTesting.htm
The complete AMSOIL product application guide for your vehicle can be found at:
AMSOIL Online Product Application Guide
Thanks for letting me jump in!
:cheers:
[Modified by DarkHalo, 8:32 PM 5/19/2004]
05-20-2004, 11:55 AM
#15
Melting Slicks
Re: Changing fluid in a ZF6..... (DarkHalo)
How much does the Castrol oil cost? What type of wrench and/or socket do y'all use to remove the drain plug? It is 17mm, right? Also, do you use a hand pump to refill?
05-20-2004, 01:13 PM
#17
Le Mans Master
Re: Changing fluid in a ZF6..... (94vette)
How much does the Castrol oil cost? What type of wrench and/or socket do y'all use to remove the drain plug? It is 17mm, right? Also, do you use a hand pump to refill?
Takes 2.2 quarts. GM factory part # 1052931 (3 quarts) $8.00 plus each.
BMW pn 07510009420, aka, Castrol 10W-60 M5 motor oil. ~$9.xx each.
17MM HEX type wrench.
First go to AutoZone and buy the $7.99 12, 14, 17mm hex head socket set (The drain and fill plugs are both 17mm).
Second, remove the fill hole plug first. The fill plug is on the passenger side half way up the transmission. The drain plug is on the bottom. First remove the fill plug (that'll let the air flow in so it'll drain faster. It'll also let you be sure that the plug will come out so that you have a way to fill it.)
Third, while you're at AZ, buy a plastic transfer (fluid) pump at AZ that they sell for about $5. It comes with a plastic hose on the discharge end. You put the suction tube into the gear oil bottle and pump it in.
OR
To refill, use a 3 foot section of 1/2" tubing - run it down the firewall from above. Jam a funnel in the end and refill with 2.2 quarts of fresh lube.
With the tubing you can use 3/8" copper elbow that fits perectly into the fill hole.
I personally prefer the pump method for refill, but I had an assistant and a lift.
05-20-2004, 09:52 PM
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Re: Changing fluid in a ZF6..... (Swirk)
I paid $8 a quart for the Castrol at the BMW dealership. Depending on where you live it could be more or less.
05-20-2004, 10:52 PM
#19
Melting Slicks
Re: Changing fluid in a ZF6..... (DarkHalo)
I called the local BMW dealership and they want $12 p/quart for it. :smash: :smash: :smash: