ZF 2801A Tranny Filter

[bmac]

I'm getting ready for my spring worklist and will be checking the transmission filter for the first time myself. In the ZF parts catalogue they list the filter plug as an M30X2. The plug is a BIG nut size. Since everything on the transmission is metric, is it correct that the 30 is 30mm for the socket size? :huh: Help would be much aprreciated.

 

[SR400DB]

Not sure on yours, but my tranny filter is 36 mm.

 

[Skip]

Brian,
Our boats have different transmissions-mine are ZX 280 Series IVs. The filter nut on my boat is 36MM. To the point, that is not a size you can buy walking in to Lowes or Home Depot (I tried). I then ordered a set of 3/4" drive metric sockets from Harbor Freight Tools for around $60. The quality (from China) is nothing to write home about, but I use the set once a year when I service the transmissions.
Skip

 

[bmac]

Brian,
Our boats have different transmissions-mine are ZX 280 Series IVs. The filter nut on my boat is 36MM. To the point, that is not a size you can buy walking in to Lowes or Home Depot (I tried). I then ordered a set of 3/4" drive metric sockets from Harbor Freight Tools for around $60. The quality (from China) is nothing to write home about, but I use the set once a year when I service the transmissions.
Skip

Thanks, Skip. I checked this morning and my local Sears Hardware store carries both the 30 and 36mm Craftsman sockets for 1/2" drives as individuals, at $8 each. I'll buy one of each and see which one fits. I have a feeling I am going to need a universal joint drive attachment for the starboard side. Where do you get your gaskets from if you're just cleaning the filter element?

 

[Skip]

That is a good deal on sockets.
On the 280 Series IV gears, there is no gasket.
The 36MM bolt has a copper crush washer that mates to the transmission surface. Once the filter (a magnetized steel sleeve with brass ends) comes out, I clean it in mineral spirts and then check with a magnet to see how much ferrous material has been caught in the filter. The amount of ferrous material year over year will give you an indicator of transmission wear. Thanks to Fwebster for teaching me how to maintain my ZF Gears-

Skip

 

[bmac]

That is a good deal on sockets.
On the 280 Series IV gears, there is no gasket.
The 36MM bolt has a copper crush washer that mates to the transmission surface. Once the filter (a magnetized steel sleeve with brass ends) comes out, I clean it in mineral spirts and then check with a magnet to see how much ferrous material has been caught in the filter. The amount of ferrous material year over year will give you an indicator of transmission wear. Thanks to Fwebster for teaching me how to maintain my ZF Gears-

Skip

Mine lists a gasket but it very well could be a copper crush washer like yours. I'm not even sure if my filter element is reusable or needs to be replaced. I won't know about the filter or the gasket until I open it up. I intend on following Frank's advice on my ZF's as well.:thumbsup: Thanks again, Skip.

 

[jetlag]

I hope you are able to get your starboard one out. On my '07 it rest about a half inch in front of a rib. The port is fine. Oddly enough, on my buddy's '08 model there is about 4 inches of clearance. Go figure.
Jet Lag

 

[bmac]

I hope you are able to get your starboard one out. On my '07 it rest about a half inch in front of a rib. The port is fine. Oddly enough, on my buddy's '08 model there is about 4 inches of clearance. Go figure.
Jet Lag

Jet

I just checked mine. The port has about 7" clearance to the rib and the starboard about 4" to the rib. Still looks like the starboard will be a pia to get out.