ZF 63A transmission fluid change interval

[Nigel Kittow]

Simple query but have struggled to find the answer. Running twin 6BTs with ZF 63As. About 300hours per annum mostly at 1300rpm. How often should I replace the transmission fluid and filter?
Appreciate your advice once again.
Tx
NIgel

Topic

[Bill Fuller]

I have Hurth 630As, same as ZF63A.
I change my fluid every year whether 200 hours or 600 hours, and the filter every 4 or 5 years. My fluid is always perfectly clean when it is removed. If it were dirty I might change the filter a little more often. Also when I do change filters they are always fairly clean. I am a big proponent of once a year regardless of hours.
I have been following this protocol for 20 years and 6,600+ hours with no transmission problems. Years ago I would put 200-300 hours per year, now I am doing 500-600+ hours per year. Change the fluid once a year and the filters at what ever interval make you feel good and you should be trouble free from that aspect.
Good luck
Bill

[Rob Schepis]

The ZF book states 300 hours or every year, whichever comes first.

As to the filters – here’s my m.o. — You replace the filter with new initially and then take the one you remove and clean it and then keep it for next service and do the same. Basically you have two filters, one installed and one cleaned and ready to go. Of course, for twin screw it would be two and two.

To clean the filter I put them in a wonton soup or similar container with mineral spirits and swish it around then let it self drain. Roll up a paper towel and place it in the center hole. Blow the filter dry from the outside in. The paper towel being in the center will catch the blow out and let you see what comes out and it will also keep you from blowing the debris across the center of the filter to the other side.

When it’s 100% dry I would flood it with new ATF and put in a ziploc bag.

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russkarns, Nigel Kittow

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