ZF Gearbox Oils

[Hurricane]

The manuals seem to suggest that any SAE 30 oil will be suitable.
The info plate on the side of the gearbox just says SAE 30

In other gearboxes, I use EP90 - you would have thought that there would be "extreme presures" between the gears in any gearbox.

Those engineers out there - what should I use in my ZF-550As ?
Just a good quality SAE 30 monograde?

 

[Latestarter1]

Yep, ZF 550 = HD SAE 30 to API CC/SE

 

[jfm]

I have always followed the book and used sae30 in ZFs, including current ones. I use ep90 in things like the bowthruster gearbox where the manufacturer recommends that

I get your point on the "ep" label. You'd think there will be extreme presures in the gearbox, but then you would think that also of the gears inside your engine and indeed in the engine's main shell bearings. Reason to stick with sae30 is I suspect viscosity. EP 90 is more gloopy and may not flow well in the gearbox. Remember, the oil is not just lubrication; it's a coolant too and needs to flow

 

[volvopaul]

SAE 30 for sure beware some oil is sold a s mower oil SAE 30, dont buy that, use a quality oil like Shell if you can get it, thats all I use in zf and twin disc boxes.

 

[Hurricane]

Thanks everyone

I'm buying some more Shell Rimula for the engines so I will probably buy some Shell for the gearboxes as well.

Just needed the confidence that a monograde SAE30 would be ok.

Thanks
Mike

 

[MapisM]

The manuals seem to suggest that any SAE 30 oil will be suitable.
The info plate on the side of the gearbox just says SAE 30

On my 220 gearbox (much smaller, but still ZF), the info plate also shows SAE 30. Actually, "SAE 30 - API CD".
But the manual is much more detailed, and suggests either 30, 40 or 50 depending on the operating temperature and whether the transmission is raw water or jacket water cooled.
Since - AOTBE - the operating temp also depends on the e/r temp, which in turn depends on the external temp, which in the Med is definitely rather high, I would also consider the 40, if not the 50.
Better safe than sorry.

 

[MapisM]

Just needed the confidence that a monograde SAE30 would be ok.

Coming to think of it, I can't see reasons why a multigrade shouldn't work just fine.
In fact, some engines have also emergency manual pumps to transfer oil between the engine and the gearbox...

 

[npf1]

In case you're interested, there's what I think is a a Shell disty (smith_and_allen) flogging Rimula on fleabay for what I thought was a very good price. I ordered a few on Friday which arrived yesterday.

 

[Latestarter1]

Having worked with both ZF and Twin Disc, ZF are a funny old bunch I would stick with the LETTER of the manual which states straight grade lube oils, no mention of Multigrade lubes. ZF rep in Southern California where seawater ambients can be pretty high, never used to deviate from SAE 30, API CD would certainly be better.

Other than certain Yanmar applications most transmission lube coolers are first in the food chain.

 

[jfm]

Other than certain Yanmar applications most transmission lube coolers are first in the food chain.

Interesting. I think on all 4 of my D12s the oil cooler came last, after the main engine I mean and I think after the intercooler, and iirc (but would have to check) I think it is same on Cat C32

 

[MapisM]

Having worked with both ZF and Twin Disc, ZF are a funny old bunch I would stick with the LETTER of the manual

Do you mean to avoid potential rejections of warranty claims?
If so, I agree, but if you see also any real technical reasons against multigrades, I for one would be interested to hear them.

Re. transmission coolers, fwiw in my Cat 3116 the raw water feeds the engine cooler first.
And iirc, I've seen the same arrangement also on some bigger Cats.

PS: ops, I answered a phone call while posting and didn't see jfm reply...
Yep, C32 is one of the other engines I was thinking about, though I'm also not 100% sure.

 

[Hurricane]

Just for the record

Under Oil Types, my ZF manuals show three lubricant classes (whatever this means).

OIL TYPES

Lubricant class 04A
Monograde engine oils (API CD/CE/CF-4/CF/CG-4/CH-4/CI-4/SF/SG/SH/SJ/SL or ACEA categories A/B/E)
Viscosity class: SAE 30, also SAE 40 in hot countries or when oil sump temperatures are above +80°C

Lubricant class 04B
Monograde engine oils in accordance with Group standard ZFN 13024
Viscosity class: SAE 30, also SAE 40 in hot countries or when oil sump temperatures are above +80°C

Lubricant class 04C
Multigrade engine oils in accordance with Group standard ZFN 13024
Viscosity class: SAE 10W-40 / 15W-40

It seems from class 04C that you can use a multigrade - I think I will be sticking to good quality SAE 30.

 

[asteven221]

On my 220 gearbox (much smaller, but still ZF), the info plate also shows SAE 30. Actually, "SAE 30 - API CD".
But the manual is much more detailed, and suggests either 30, 40 or 50 depending on the operating temperature and whether the transmission is raw water or jacket water cooled.
Since - AOTBE - the operating temp also depends on the e/r temp, which in turn depends on the external temp, which in the Med is definitely rather high, I would also consider the 40, if not the 50.
Better safe than sorry.

Is there any chance that you happen to know the normal working oil temp for the IRM220.

Thanks.

 

[MapisM]

Nope, sorry.
I must say that I never botherer to check it, because in my boat (a full displacement trawler), the whole powertrain runs well below its max rated power. To give you an idea, cruising speeds are in the 1400-1800 rpm range, where each engine's output is between 50 and 90 HPs according to prop demand curves, as opposed to the max rpm/power of 2800/350...!
Gearbox ratio is 2.040, for the records.

So, I really don't think the gearbox ever had to run real hot.
Oil is always as clean as new, and whenever I changed it in the past I always had the impression to waste my money.
That said, I could measure it manually for you the next time I'll be onboard, if you're interested.
But I would take it as a meaningful comparison with any 220 gearbox which has to work at its rated rpm/power.

 

[Latestarter1]

Interesting. I think on all 4 of my D12s the oil cooler came last, after the main engine I mean and I think after the intercooler, and iirc (but would have to check) I think it is same on Cat C32

Case of Green motor blindness, as well as a few other colours.

You are spot on, Volvo place gearbox lube cooler as last mouth in the food chain pretty much across the board. Cat used to put gearbox cooler 1st in line, more up to date engines have reversed this.

Basic engineering standards have always dictated that gearbox coolers have early call. Perkins used to put engine lube oil heat exchanger in just before the gearbox heat exchanger and attacted negative comment from one particular gearbox manufacturer. Historically Cummins and Sabre always tended to keep gearbox coolers towards the front of the queue.

However in the light of comments I have taken a look at latest Cat and Volvo applications and gearbox cooler location seems to ignore long established engineering practices. Includes MTU badged Detroit Series 60 which now locates gearbox heat exchanger just before the water injection elbow. Bet there has been some blood up the walls at meetings with Twin Disc and ZF!

I was well aware that the abomination, fuel coolers has crept in at the front, and that Cat have been smart keeping them on the suction side, however I have to admit that the trend to put gearbox heat exchangers in far higher than ambient seawater temperatures had passed me by.

Going on to comments regarding gearbox lubes, if the man from ZF advises use of straight 30 for all applications, use staight 30, just like gearbox input tolerances the subject is not one for discussion. Unlike Twin Disc, ZF are a zero tolerance outfit. I have had meetings with stone faced ZF people and been told NO. If you avoid confrontation a couple of days later you may be lucky and get a call suggesting you use the lube pump from the next model XYZ in the range, part #1234 and your proposal will work, but infomation did not come from us!

I am aware of some Fred Flintstone thinking in the US regarding straight grade Vs multigrade oils and had some real fights in the past to get people on to multigrade lubes. Probably a left over from Detroit thinking.