ZF IRM 220A Trannies

[Harry Babb]

Its oil change time for DeNada

For the sake of simplicity I want to use the same oil in my Trannies that I use in the engines and genset.

At the time of rebuild I filled DeNada's engines with Shell Rotella 15-40 engine oil.

Today I read the conversation in this link and there seems to be opinions on both sides of the fence......use 30 Wt or Use the Rotella mulit wt.

http://bertram31.com/newbb/viewtopic.php?t=7119" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Do any of the faithful here use Multi Wt engine oil in ZF IRM 220A gears??

hb

[Whaler1777]

I have str8 30wt in mine Harry...

[Navatech]

Do any of the faithful here use Multi Wt engine oil in ZF IRM 220A gears??

The " ZF Marine - ZF 220 A - Repair Manual & Spare Parts List" document found at boat diesel.com shows the following:



Standard SAE 30 and SAE 40 for warm environments.

[bob lico]

Harry we have no combustion going on in these trannies so you want straight weight 30 or 40 weight depending on ambient temperature .hot summer days you may be incline to go to 40 weight down in AL. . Multi grade have additives that would tend to foam in trans at high speeds while these same additives are beneficial to engine rings and higher temps of exhaust valves.trust me use the straight weight!

[Harry Babb]

Thank you gentlemen for the info.....

I will go get some Straight weight........and get the job done.

One last thing......is the high detergent okay??.....or should I use the non-detergent.

I have 30 wt High Detergent in the trannies now.

hb

[bob lico]

Absolutely no detergent that's what causes the foaming!

[Harry Babb]

Thanks Brother Bob......

Oil change will be on this weeks adgenda......then I am good for the summer

hb

[Navatech]

is the high detergent okay??.....or should I use the non-detergent.

Detergents are added to oil to dissolve and pacify combustion by products. As there is no combustion in the gear they are not required there. Furthermore, used in a gearbox, the detergents will cause foaming. Foam (oil with lots of air bubbles) is not a good lubricant. IMHO you should use non-detergent straight weight oil (AES 40 if you're in the south).

[Rawleigh]

Harry: The same reason ND is used in air compressors and lathe headstocks. You want any water and contaminates to settle out of the oil, not stay suspended since there is no filter.