ZF6 oil you use

[scottfab]

This is kind of a rehash but with a poll to document in an easily viewed format what everyone uses.

This is the long form of the poll with more detailed info from what others have posted.
stock GM 1052931
Castrol RS 10W60 (or similar castrol)
Amsoil synchromesh
Mobil 10w30
Red Line MTL

[Mystic ZR-1]

Thought I was gonna use Castrol TWS 10W-60 till I went looking for it locally...
Most places haven't even heard of it!
The local foreign car parts place recommended Liqui Moly 10W-60 Synthoil Race Tech GT1 @ $20 a liter from Germany. He sells this to M3 owners.
Anyone ever use it?
Maybe I'll just get the Castrol TWS 10W-60 on-line and quit screwing around...
It's probably available at the local BMW stealership but I try to avoid them if at all possible.

[scottfab]

I am about the task of swapping out all fluids when I came upon something I made 15yrs ago for getting the fill and drain plugs out
of the ZF6. It's a 11/16in nut welded to a 1-1/16in nut. It is low profile for getting in that tight space at the fill plug and can be place inside a 1-1/16th in socket for use with a ratchet. AND if you were careful not to over tighten the plugs the last time you change oil the whole process of removing the drain plug and fill plug is a breeze.

[cvette98pacecar]

Originally Posted by scottfab

I am about the task of swapping out all fluids when I came upon something I made 15yrs ago for getting the fill and drain plugs out
of the ZF6. It's a 11/16in nut welded to a 1-1/16in nut. It is low profile for getting in that tight space at the fill plug and can be place inside a 1-1/16th in socket for use with a ratchet. AND if you were careful not to over tighten the plugs the last time you change oil the whole process of removing the drain plug and fill plug is a breeze.

Who is the hell blew their nose on your weld joint?

[scottfab]

Originally Posted by cvette98pacecar

Who is the hell blew their nose on your weld joint?

I actually did not expect it to work so I just goobered it together.
When it showed to be strong I flung it into the toolbox drawer with the allen wrenches. I was lucky to find it again. Hell it still has slag on it.

[Dynomite]

Originally Posted by scottfab

I am about the task of swapping out all fluids when I came upon something I made 15yrs ago for getting the fill and drain plugs out of the ZF6.

So....how does your drain plug removal tool work for the 17 mm Allen drain plugs? I am confused

Yes on............4.4 pints - Castrol TWS 10/60

[scottfab]

Originally Posted by Dynomite

So....how does your drain plug removal tool work for the 17 mm Allen drain plugs? I am confused

a nut of 11/16in is about 0.018 bigger than 17mm.
It fits in tighter than 17mm which is a good thing.

Originally Posted by Dynomite

Yes on............4.4 pints - Castrol TWS 10/60

Nothing that comes in a green bottle can be any good.

[Dynomite]

Originally Posted by scottfab

a nut of 11/16in is about 0.018 bigger than 17mm.
It fits in tighter than 17mm which is a good thing.
Nothing that comes in a green bottle can be any good.

I understand it now......great idea....as you eliminated the leverage action (tipping of Allen out of plug as you apply torque) of the longer 17 mm Allen (another benefit of shortening one leg of the 17 mm Allen wrench - tipping & space)

I assume you do not have to tap the 11/16 nut into the 17 mm Allen socket and assume there is no road rash on the bottom 17 mm transmission drain plug.

On your opinion of the green oil bottle.....I am not so sure

[scottfab]

Originally Posted by Dynomite

I understand it now......great idea....as you eliminated the leverage action (tipping of Allen out of plug as you apply torque) of the longer 17 mm Allen

I assume you do not have to tap the 11/16 nut into the 17 mm Allen socket and assume there is no road rash on the bottom 17 mm transmission drain plug.

On your opinion of the green oil bottle.....I am not so sure

That is a good point about the sideways action using the allen wrench. Yes, it does depend on any garffing (technical term) of the plug. And yes a light tap is required but is a good thing in that it is then held in place. What I most like is being able to use a socket and ratchet. Talk about fast.

[RHanselman]

I switched to Castrol from Red Line after my trans seized. Bill B. said he's seen several ZF's with Red Line do this. My experience and Bill's WOM was justification enough for me to change...