Best transmission fluid

N

Nmor830

Member
Sep 12, 2016
90
Channel Islands
Boat Info
2008 340 Sundancer
Engines
8.1l Mercruisers
Hello all,
I’m getting ready to change the fluids on my ZF63 IV transmissions. I use Quicksilver syn. in the engines but not sure what what be best for the trans. I know Dextron seems to be what is required but any name brands considered better then others. There are price differences so I assume you get what you pay for.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Nick
 
There is a list of approved fluids by model. By the way I read it, you require an 04D (ATF) fluid. I called down to ZF tech support last week for a recommended fluid, and they gave me a recommendation. You might want to give them a quick shout to confirm yours.

I have HSW800IV and they were none too picky...any Dex-Merc fluid.

https://www.sbmar.com/articles/zf-marine-oil-specifications/
 
Mobil Delvac 1 meets the ZF TE-ML 04D/ 14C/ 16M/ 20C spec along with Royal Purple Max ATF. Both are full synthetic products and will work great.
 
Nmor830 said:
Hello all,
I’m getting ready to change the fluids on my ZF63 IV transmissions. I use Quicksilver syn. in the engines but not sure what what be best for the trans. I know Dextron seems to be what is required but any name brands considered better then others. There are price differences so I assume you get what you pay for.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Nick
Click to expand...
Why not read your manual and do what is says vs. asking folks on the internet who may or may not give you the correct answer? Not saying folks here will give you a bad steer but a primary source document is the gold standard. This is an important issue and doing it wrong will cost you thousands of dollars.
 
Thank many of you for the advice. You supplied me with the information I needed. Unforunitly not all of us have manuals. I thought this site was here for us to share knowledge and to help each other out when needed. I’ll put my trust in those willing to help.
 
Nmor830 said:
Thank many of you for the advice. You supplied me with the information I needed. Unforunitly not all of us have manuals. I thought this site was here for us to share knowledge and to help each other out when needed. I’ll put my trust in those willing to help.
Click to expand...

Very true, I have found a great deal on this site about my boat and In addition have manuals. Often times they refer you to only OEM options. Many times there are equal or better alternative products and services that fellow members have used and proven to work.
One should always verify any information or recommendation given as sometimes it may be an option rather than fact. (Due Diligence)
I just did the research for my new to me 340 Sundancer regarding tranny fluid. I have two of the ZF Hurst V-Drives... The manual calls for ATF that meets the ZF TE-ML 04D. Both of my recommendations meet or exceed that recommendation, not to say there aren't others.
Both of these products are well know brands that I have used both on a personal basis and in industry.
 
Iv'e always used Dex III in my 63 IV 's and in all the 63 IV drives Iv'e ever serviced . Works good ,lasts long time. The ZF Marine site has a list of approved fluids .
 
Thanks for the advice on the Mobil and Royal Purple Max. atf fluid. For the record I did check the ZF web site and found the 04D was compatible with my transmissions. There are many brands that are compatible just wanted to get some different opinions on what others were using. Thank you again for taking the time to offer this information.
Nick
 
For those of you who have switched from a non synthetic oil to synthetic, have you noticed any new leaks from the seals in your transmissions? I have heard this is a problem with older engines that used dino oils and then get switched over to synthetics.
 
sbw1 said:
For those of you who have switched from a non synthetic oil to synthetic, have you noticed any new leaks from the seals in your transmissions? I have heard this is a problem with older engines that used dino oils and then get switched over to synthetics.
Click to expand...

So far so good.
 
sbw1 said:
For those of you who have switched from a non synthetic oil to synthetic, have you noticed any new leaks from the seals in your transmissions? I have heard this is a problem with older engines that used dino oils and then get switched over to synthetics.
Click to expand...
I can’t speak for all, but many of the current synthetics have seal conditioners that keep seals soft and doing their job. I have switched over several engines and transmissions to synthetics without issue.
 
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