Quick Question Re: ZF5 fluid

Well, I don't have any issues from mine, even when its in the low 20's. Sorry bout your luck. The reason is exactly what TWeatherford said, detergent oils are more prone to aeration. This happens especially in a drivetrain part that has a lot of constantly moving, partially submerged components.

Low 20's isn't cold, that's relatively mild. 20 below is getting cold.

I don't know much about oils, but doesn't ATF have detergents in it also? Isn't that why people put ATF in their engines to loosen sticky lifters?

Also believe it or not, Ford recommends motor oil in some of their old trannies in the 70's and early 80's. I thought they all took gear oil, but some do take motor oil.

The "foaming" with motor oil must be old school or something(I am old school also, and have filled old air compressors with non-detergent oil). Most all hydrostatic units in lawnmowers use detergent motor oil. I put Lucas 15w-40 diesel engine oil in the hydrostatic unit and the engine on a Dixie Chopper I service, that's what the dealer recommends to put in it.

A friend of mine bought a brand new skidsteer a couple of years ago(a big one) and guess what the hydraulics are filled with? You guessed it, the manual calls for multi-weight motor oil in the hydraulic system.

So I understand where some of you are coming from about the "non-detergent" to prevent foaming, but I think it must not be a problem since everything that likes to promote foaming, like hydraulic systems, are using it now.

Diesel_brad said:

Where are you getting a used ZF for $175? I'll take all you got!!

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2 gallons x $15/quart = $120 which is really more like $160 with shipping.

So I'm saying you can get a used trans for $360-$480. Here is one for $250. http://louisville.craigslist.org/pts/2814931408.html

You may have to look but they can certainly be had in the sub $500 range.

TWeatherford said:

2 gallons x $15/quart = $120 which is really more like $160 with shipping.

So I'm saying you can get a used trans for $360-$480. Here is one for $250. http://louisville.craigslist.org/pts/2814931408.html

You may have to look but they can certainly be had in the sub $500 range.

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2 gallons? WHY? It only calls for 6.8 PINTS or 3.4 Quarts. All you will do with 2 gallons is airerate the fluid and starve the bearings and syncros of oil. MAYBE a quart more to quite rollover noise but not a whole gallon.

And that is a SUPER deal on the trans, wish it was closer

Since we are on the topic, is there anyway to convert a s5-42 to a s5-47? I mean through a rebuild obviously just using s5-47 parts.

snaponprofile said:

Since we are on the topic, is there anyway to convert a s5-42 to a s5-47? I mean through a rebuild obviously just using s5-47 parts.

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You can swap all the guts to a 47 but there are some slight differences(gussets) in the 47 case that the 42 doesnt have