[DeTomaso] ZF oil

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

In a message dated 8/12/08 8:43:35 AM, claywillmott at hotmail.com writes:

> To clarify the filling process you add until it leaks?  Mine fills from the 
> top of the ZF case and has the dip stick/pipe as you mention.  So on the 
> "top off" you fill it all the way until it drools from the pipe under the 
> shifter-shaft box? 
> 
Yes- exactly.

>  I was also told if it is over-filled it can cause the gears to over-heat??
> 
Maybe on very long runs at very high speeds, if the box is radically 
overfilled. But any large excess you might add will probably come out of the vent tube 
up on top and make a mess. If you're really unlucky, you might start a leak 
in the nose seal or on one of the side-seals. This can also happen with 
synthetic gear lubes- the early '60s ZF design was never intended to accept modern 
super-lubes. Since you've never checked, I suggest you 'calibrate' your dipstick 
to the drip-point from the overflow port. Then the next time, you can rely on 
the dipstick marks and won't have to pull that plug. 
As far as the limited-slip additive, Lloyd Butfoy of RBT once said at a 
'Vegas Tech session that, "on some ZFs it may help, and in any case it won't hurt". 
The additive only keeps the clutches in the limited-slip from chattering in 
tight turns. If yours are worn out as many are after 37 years, its a non-issue. 
Good luck- J Deryke




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