C4 General Discussion General C4 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech

Trans oil

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Old Dec 29, 2005 | 12:13 PM
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Default Trans oil

When should I changed my transmission oil? I have a 1994 w/ 65k miles on her.

Thanks for the info
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Old Dec 29, 2005 | 12:15 PM
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Auto or Manual?
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Old Dec 29, 2005 | 12:29 PM
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His is auto.
Normal change time is 30,000 miles. I'd change it now to be safe.
What may cost about $20-30 now may save you from spending $800 on a new tranny in the future.
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Old Dec 29, 2005 | 01:48 PM
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Now wouldn't be a bad time... As they always say, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,"!
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Old Dec 29, 2005 | 01:52 PM
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Since we are on this subject. What is good fluid for a 95' manual trans? I like using synth stuff but I would rather have some opinions. Also, is there a filter to change with a manual and how do you change it and drain fluid etc etc.
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Old Dec 29, 2005 | 02:17 PM
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Originally Posted by jserio
Since we are on this subject. What is good fluid for a 95' manual trans? I like using synth stuff but I would rather have some opinions. Also, is there a filter to change with a manual and how do you change it and drain fluid etc etc.
The general consensus here on the forum falls into one of two categories - The GM oil (available from GM with part number 1052931) and the Castrol Synthetic Formula TWS 10W60 (available from BMW with part number 0751009420). The BMW stuff is actually motor oil, and you'll have to pick it up at a dealership's parts counter. The guy might give you a funny look, but don't worry, MANY people here use the stuff.

There is no filter to change with the ZF6. There are two plugs, a drain plug and a fill plug. As always, check to make sure you can loosen the fill plug before removing the drain plug! Nothing like draining all the fluid out of your tranny, only to find that you can't get the fill plug out!

Try searching the Tech Tips section for a "how-to" on changing your own fluid...it's not that difficult, you just have to have the right stuff. The other option is having a local shop do it (and you supply the new fluid). Shouldn't take them more than 30minutes, inlcluding raising/lowering the car on the lift.

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Old Dec 29, 2005 | 02:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Perfusion
The general consensus here on the forum falls into one of two categories - The GM oil (available from GM with part number 1052931) and the Castrol Synthetic Formula TWS 10W60 (available from BMW with part number 0751009420). The BMW stuff is actually motor oil, and you'll have to pick it up at a dealership's parts counter. The guy might give you a funny look, but don't worry, MANY people here use the stuff.

There is no filter to change with the ZF6. There are two plugs, a drain plug and a fill plug. As always, check to make sure you can loosen the fill plug before removing the drain plug! Nothing like draining all the fluid out of your tranny, only to find that you can't get the fill plug out!

Try searching the Tech Tips section for a "how-to" on changing your own fluid...it's not that difficult, you just have to have the right stuff. The other option is having a local shop do it (and you supply the new fluid). Shouldn't take them more than 30minutes, inlcluding raising/lowering the car on the lift.

Matter of fact, there used to be a ZF transmissions US website. But you might also like to look at zfdoc.com. May be excessive, but their conclusion is changing the man trans fluid every 12K miles.
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Old Dec 29, 2005 | 04:06 PM
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Per Chris Petris in his C4 class this summer: "It is OK to use Mobil 1 10W30 in the 6-speed." I found this in my class notes.
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Old Dec 30, 2005 | 02:29 AM
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Good info guys. Thanks
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Old Dec 31, 2005 | 10:17 AM
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Originally Posted by corvetteronw
Per Chris Petris in his C4 class this summer: "It is OK to use Mobil 1 10W30 in the 6-speed." I found this in my class notes.
Quick question - Is it Mobil 1 with or without "Energy Conserving" additives. You'd have to look at the seal on the back of the bottle. It may not make a difference but since they do make two types I thought I'd ask. Thanks,
-Chris
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Old Dec 31, 2005 | 01:23 PM
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Originally Posted by joshwilson3
In my Corvette specs book, I remember reading something in there that GM said the auto trannys never need the fluid replaced. What is that about?

I'll have to look for the page number, but I think it was stated in the late 90's section of the book.
IIRC, that's true - it was said by GM. However, is that how YOU want to treat your tranny?
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Old Dec 31, 2005 | 01:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Perfusion
IIRC, that's true - it was said by GM. However, is that how YOU want to treat your tranny?
...in which case, you'll be needing a "new, GM, transmission" sometime in the forseeable future! Man, I bet GM would really despise that happening....
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Old Feb 4, 2006 | 03:00 PM
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Went to Nicolas Chevy today to get the factory trans fluid and he tried to give me DextronIII. Isn'y this for automatics only?
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Old Feb 4, 2006 | 04:41 PM
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Well thanks to another member for listing the GM part number. I went back and got the right stuff. Some people just have no clue.

By the way 2 questions:

1) How do you know your filled?
2) What tool/size is needed?
okay 3
3) Where are the fill/empty bolts?

Yes, I know to check the fill bolt to ensure it comes off before draining.
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Old Feb 4, 2006 | 04:41 PM
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Generally yes... although some manuals trannies use ATF, I don't think the ZF6 is one of them.
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Old Feb 4, 2006 | 08:43 PM
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Originally Posted by corvetteronw
Per Chris Petris in his C4 class this summer: "It is OK to use Mobil 1 10W30 in the 6-speed." I found this in my class notes.
"Chris Petris"...that old dog...lol...great guy and he was the only one to touch my vette until he closed his shop a while ago...he writes full time and does project cars for Corvette Fever now...his shop was only 20 minites from me too... ..that man knows C4's...
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