zf 280 1A gear oil

[Dave schmitt]

I have to change the gear oil in my ZF 280-1A transmissions. Can I use Shell Rotella T-1 30w or should I use a 30 weight non detergent? I am also open to any suggestions that may be a better choice. Thank you

Topic

[Tony Athens]

“SQUARE” or flat with no chamfer so you get full contact on the thin aluminum hex area or surface.. A very simple job–just let the socket “float” on a belt sander platten……..

Tony

[Dave schmitt]

Excellent. I will grind it down. Thank you

[Rob Schepis]

Dave, It’s a 36mm and I’ve posted on this before, check it out:

https://www.sbmar.com/community/topic/removing-the-magnet-screen-hex/

[Dave schmitt]

Tony, are you saying on the end where the 6 points are to grind this area lower?

[Tony Athens]

Hint: Use caution trying to get the very shallow aluminium hex nut loose for the screen. I think the size is 35 or 36MM (why can’t I remember that?) –Use a 6 point socket and flat grind the chamfer off.

Tony

[Dave schmitt]

Thank you Tony.

No issues at all, just going to change the gear fluid, and clean the filter screens.

[Philip]

And then there is Mobilfluid 424…. are you just getting ready to change oil or are you having any issues?

[Tony Athens]

ZF 280A Oil requirements

Any Name Brand Heavy Duty SAE 30W that would be used in a diesel engine meets the ZF requirements–Example Shell Rotella T, Mobil Delvac, Delo 400,

The term “non-detergent” does not apply and goes back to the 50’s and earlier era cars… Those oils were designed before high quality oil filtration was developed for automotive engines.

Tony

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Kevin Lee

[Dave schmitt]

That’s perfect, thank you.

[Corey Schmidt]

SAE 30

Sorry for the confusion…. just add straight SAE 30 weight and you’re fine… use any name brand and do not worry about “detergents” or not yada yada… any name brand SAE 30 will work and work 100% fine.

Per ZF, you should use a monograde SAE 30 oil, however in some cases you can use a multi-grade 15W-40.

[Dave schmitt]

Thanks for posting. Honestly I’m more confused with the charts.

[Corey Schmidt]

ZF Marine Transmission Oil Specifications

According to ZF:

https://www.sbmar.com/articles/zf-marine-oil-specifications/

[Author]

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