Shell Spirax S3 ATF MD3 for ZF Gear

[ttmott]

Probably more directed to Mr. Webster -
I'm putting my annual order into Keller Heartt for lubricants and they really don't carry specifically Dextron III or Mercon that is required for the ZF gears but they do carry a wide selection of Shell ATF products. The last several years I got the gear AFT from NAPA but their prices are quite a bit higher than Keller Heartt.
The confusion is there is a lot of cross referencing between the Dextron III and VI products but I don't know the differences other than the ZF literature doesn't list all nor any Shell products; probably due to the literature publication date. Dextron VI does have a slightly lower viscosity than the III so compatibility with the ZF is in question.

So, it appears Shell Spirax S3 AFT MD3 is Shell's Dextron III https://prodepc.blob.core.windows.n..._Oman_Shell_Spirax_S3_ATF_MD3_(en)_TDS_v1.pdf. Can you confirm this?

Thanks
Tom

 

[fwebster]

Tom,

ZF periodically updates its list of approved lubricants . Here is the list of ATF's as of 1/10/15:

http://www.zf.com/global/media/en_zf/lubricantslists/TE-ML_04.pdf


It appears that there are several Shell Spirax part numbers approved, but I don't see the one you mentioned, Spriax S3 ATF MD3. Hope that helps.................

 

[juggernaut1]

I posted a thread on this a little while ago....but Frank is already onto it.

http://clubsearay.com/showthread.ph...st-of-approved-transmission-fluids?highlight=

 

[ttmott]

Thanks guys - sorry I didn't see your post juggernaut otherwise I'd been all over it.
As it ends up the Shell products at Keller Heartt don't match the ZF approved list.
And, as I find out Pennzoil ATF meets the Dexron III / Mercon specifications and is $4.23 a quart at Home Depot, of all places....