[saabski]

So guys, at the risk of starting another ‘online war’ or at least opening some old wounds, I need some advice. I have read the various threads I can find on the subject but I feel more confused than ever!

I have had my 97 900s n/a almost since new and change any service items frequently – especially fluids. I did a flush and change of the manual tranny fluid (from dino or whatever was in there) to SAAB synth at 30k. The old oil didn’t look too dirty, but stunk.

Coming up to 100K I want to change the tranny fluid again. What do I put in?

The bottle that the synth stuff came in just has a part no. 400 108 247 / 8748733.

Is this the same as MTF0063? Did I get this in between oil?

If it’s not the same, do I need to flush and refill? I don’t like wasting oil, but will of course if I have to.

Can I just use another Synth manual tranny oil – from one of the more reputable companies? Which is definitely cheaper than the SAAB oil.
I also read that the oil is basically the same as Dexron 111 Synth ???
HELP!

 

[radare]

The MTF0063 is SAAB's latest and greatest transmission oil. Prior to MTF0063, SAAB used the 8748733 Synthetic oil (which is not the same as the MTF0063), and prior to that, SAAB recommended mineral oil.

If you use MTF0063, you need to flush the transmission, which will require ~5 quarts of fluid to be used (see http://www.genuinesaab.com/psi/files/93-95man-oil.htm).

The 8748733 fluid is still available (http://www.eeuroparts.com/productdetail.aspx?code=5855).

Here's the kicker; MTF0063 and 8748733 cost the same, but since you already have 8748733 in your transmission, you would only need 2 quarts of it (as opposed to 5 quarts of the MTF0063).

I would stick with the 8748733 if I were you.

 

[JMarkert]

radare's information is correct, if you upgrade to the mtf 0063, then you will need to fill and drain it twice before refilling it because the older oil and the mtf 0063 don't mix.


However, unless cost is a huge issue, I'd go for the newer stuff. I did after my last transmission died and I put a new one in. My feeling is that I won't ever need to change the fluid again, and it did make a difference in the smoothness of the shifting. Not a huge difference, but a difference.

You could experiment with the synthetic oils from Redline too. My only direct experience was when I used it to save my old transmission while it was on the way out....

One important caveat is not to use synthetic MOTOR oil, as this is too slippery for the synchros to work properly.

Other folks have noted that the MTF-0063 is simply synthetic ATF which you could get cheaper elsewhere. I'm sure this is probably true, but after replacing my transmission I wasn't in a mood to experiment.


EDIT: I just noticed you are in the UK - does that mean the saab oile\s are even more than they are here? I paid about US$11.00 / qt for mine. Obviously if the cost was doubled, that would tilt you towards the middle synthetic.

 

[earthworm]

http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58215&highlight=manual+transmission+fluid


This may help, and substantiate what Radare has stated..
FWIW, I have used synthetic MTF(75-90) since the 80s in Saab manual transmissions.
The '85 VW came from the factory with syn. and was "filled for life".
Both work, and work well...

 

[saabski]

Thanks Radare, thats really useful. According to my local dealer the part number has changed but it is still the same stuff (and not the later MTF0063) and in stock.

But what do you all recon on using a substitute from another company. SAAB oil is £23.44 per litre - £47 for a refill. After all, few of us use genuine SAAB engine oil, do we!

 

[JMarkert]

SAAB oil is £23.44 per litre - £47 for a refill. After all, few of us use genuine SAAB engine oil, do we!

Yes, at that price I'd definitely explore substitutes.

 

[saabski]

Yes, at that price I'd definitely explore substitutes.

I am going to check this out - but any suggestions for the uk market?

 

[JMarkert]

Would you need to pay a tarriff on imported oil? Perhaps redline ships to the UK (and the savings would definitely pay for the shipping). You could also check www.eeuroparts.com to see if they'll ship either the middle synthetic or mtf-0063.

Just a thought, obviously a local supplier would be best.

 

[saabski]

Thanks JMarket. I have just checked out the eeuroparts web site. Blimey (as we say over here) oil is cheap. Even with postage still could be cheaper than uk prices.

I think Redline ships to a London outlet somewhere.

 

[JMarkert]

Blimey (as we say over here) oil is cheap.

Hence our ever popular foreign policy

 

[saabski]

Yee haa cowboy!!

 

[jonnyfgroove]

My mechanic, who is a career Saab only man, swears by the Redline MTL. No flushing required.

 

[saabski]

My mechanic, who is a career Saab only man, swears by the Redline MTL. No flushing required.

Have you got it in your car? If so how does feel changing gear? smoother, no difference?

 

[saabski]

Here's an interesting thread on the topic of Redline http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/archive/index.php/t-34279Yes I know we haven't got beemers or Getrag boxes but......
And I'm not trying to knock Redline...

 

[jonnyfgroove]

Actually, I have Castrol 10w30 high mileage formula in there now because I noticed a small leak at the transaxle seal. This came recommended by someone knowledgable around here (bkrell, I think). My Saab guy did tell me that switching to the Redline will improve the feel a bit though. Also, if your car does not have the updated linkage (I think you probably have it, not sure though) that will definfitely improve the feel alot.

 

[jonnyfgroove]

Here's an interesting thread on the topic of Redline http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/ar...dex.php/t-34279Yes I know we haven't got beemers or Getrag boxes but......
And I'm not trying to knock Redline...

Yeah, that is a bit scary. Maybe you should just refill with the same stuff that came out (the 8748733). The mechanic who recommended the Redline MTL to me definitely knows Saabs very well though. Good Luck!

 

[Jeremy R.]

Have you got it in your car? If so how does feel changing gear? smoother, no difference?

I have Redline MTL in my car. I used to have Saab's pre-MTF0063 synthetic in the transmission, but didn't want to pay Saab's prices when I took out the transmission and needed to refill it. It shifts as well as it did with the Saab synthetic, which was a little better than regular motor oil, but it wasn't anything miraculous.

 

[saabski]

So I recon that it's Redline if I can get it and at a reasonable price or back to the tried and tested 8748733 Synthetic oil.

Unless of course if anybody has tried the Mobil 1 Synth ATF?!! Few good reports of that on other sites.

Thanks guys.

 

[JMarkert]

You might do some forum searches on the ATF. I think someone has, but I don't remember who. Probably worth a p.m. or two to get an update.

I used the mobil 1 synthetic ATF in my old volvo's automatic transmission and it was wonderful (although this is completely irrelevant for our purposes here ).

 

[bkrell]

I'm knowledgable?:lol: Hmmm, I can't really remember recommending Castrol high mileage for anything but a thin motor oil does do well in the manual trans. That's what I used. Now I have an auto 9-5 and use the cheapest dexron I can find.:cheesy:

Actually, I have Castrol 10w30 high mileage formula in there now because I noticed a small leak at the transaxle seal. This came recommended by someone knowledgable around here (bkrell, I think). My Saab guy did tell me that switching to the Redline will improve the feel a bit though. Also, if your car does not have the updated linkage (I think you probably have it, not sure though) that will definfitely improve the feel alot.