s3c gearbox oil

[aero340]

the gearbox oil needs topping up the present oil is red can anyone confirm the spec thanks kev

[ketvrin]

Red sounds like ATF ?

K

[Tant]

just got my gearbox back from recon, and against what seems logical to me, the recommend ATF....

[Barkychoc]

Don't even ask about ATF in the V8 gearbox - it's more controversial than pressure caps on swirl pots

[mep12345]

Use of ATF seems to be reasonably common, but when I had mine rebuilt by and old style mechanic who builds cars to hill climb and knows the Type 9 very well he advised the use of a good quality fully or semi synthetic oil and stated not to use ATF under any circumstances as it doesn't offer sufficient protection under heavy load conditions in his opinion. The oil I actually used was Fuchs Titan Gear Synthetic 75/90.

The gearbox was marvelous after the overhaul and remains so 2 years on much smoother than before and easier to engage reverse

ETA, not just the V8 box Chris - also the type 9, but I won't comment other than pass on advice I was given on this as oils is not my area of technical expertise, unlike pressure systems

Mark

Edited by mep12345 on Friday 30th April 16:32

[merky300]

I have just rebuilt my type 9 gearbox with new mainshaft bearings which seem to have worn prematurely only 30,000 miles. The gaerbox was filled with ATF. Have also re filled with Fuchs Titan Gear Syn 75/90 and the box does seem a lot quieter with smoother changes. Could just be the new beaings but I'm sure the oil helps.

Tony

[aero340]

ive taken the plunge and topped it up with ATF, as to drain the box at this stage will be a real pain,cheers kev...

[phillpot]

aero340 said:

to drain the box at this stage will be a real pain,cheers kev...

Not really, just slacken the six bolts holding the tail housing to the gearbox enough to pull it back half a millimetre or so and vast majority of oil will run out.

The guys at GBH Geartech (who should know a thing or two about gearbox's) reccommended I use a Semmi Synthetic 75/90, apparently fully synthetics can be "too good" in old gearbox's and the syncro rings can't sort of cut through them to do what they're supposed to do, which could give you a slightly "crunchy" gear change ?

[Gerald-TVR]

Twice I have broken two S Series, one S2 and one S3, in both cases I have had the pleasure od cocking up removing engine/gearbox from the chassis. In both cases i have dumped VAST quantities of ATF fluid on the drive.

Red ATF was certainly the original lubrication for the type Nine gearboxes

[Stew Mc]

When I put my gearbox back in not so long ago, I used MTF94. Manual transmission fluid, which I got from the local Land Rover dealer at about £9 per liter. It is used in Freelander 1 and rover vehicles amongst other things.
If I remember rightly, it is a synthetic based oil of 75/80 spec.
Gear change is nice and smooth and I can now get reverse without the need to select another gear first, so for me, this has worked well so far.
Stew.