Saab MTF0063 VOA and UOA @ 32786mi

[JHZR2]

Hello,

My 04 Saab 9-3 has been a great car. Last spring, I decided that I'd change the MT fluid. It was tough, since the drain plug is covered by a suspension member (good luck getting it out). As a result, I used my liqivac to remove, then a fluid pump to refill. It took about 1.5L to refill, as claimed in the directions, shown here:

http://www.genuinesaab.com/psi/files/93-95man-oil.htm

The fluid is MTF 0063. It is a different fluid than the older synthetic manual transmission fluid that was used in older saabs. I am not sure if this fluid supercedes the older synthetic fluids, but it is what is used in my 9-3.

Anyway, the first column is virgin, the second column is used with 32786 miles.

Code:


Sample Date 6/19/08 2/26/08

Unit Age 0 32786

Comp Age 0 32786

Time on Oil 0 32786

Time on Fltr 0 0

Oil Maint. New changed

Fltr Maint. New NONE

Fluid Saab MTF 0063 Saab MTF 0063



Fe 0.9 85

Cr 0.2 0.9

Ni 0.9 3.2

Ti 0 0

Ag 0 0.3

Al 0.9 7.1

Pb 1.7 49

Cu 0 71

Sn 0.2 0

Si 6.5 24

Na 0 11

K 0 22

B 0 16

Ba 0 5.7

Mo 0 0.1

Mg 14 9.1

Ca 3610 2666

P 2095 1608

Zn 1725 1388

S 5923 6331

Cd 0 0

Mn 1.3 1.3

V 0 0

Sb 0 0

Kv@

40°C 70 58.18

100°C 13

White

Metal NONE LIGHT

Babbitt NONE NONE

Precipitate NONE NONE

Silt NONE NONE

Debris NONE NONE

Dirt NONE NONE

 

[MolaKule]

So the Saab uses a light 75W90 mtl. Next time you may want to also get the before and after TAN readings.

The oil did shear somewhat. I would say 35k is a good OCI for this fluid/tranny combo.

 

[JHZR2]

Thanks!

I sure appreciate the insight. Any thoughts on what other available 75w-90 "light" MTLs might be a good option? THis fluid does seem to be a bit stiff in the extreme cold (i.e. 10F around here), whereas my amsoil MT fluid still is pretty nice.

 

[Saab9-3]

I found MTF to be quite stiff and whiney in my 01 in the winter time. I switched to Redline MTL, and it is much smoother all around. Currently its -25C here , and I still have fairly smooth shifting at cold and no more tranny whine. I am very happy with the MTL.

 

[Foch]

Thanks for posting this.

I've got 84,000+ miles on the 2004 9-5 5sp. According to the owners manual the MT fluid is a lifetime fill!!

I guess I'll plan a drain/refill it this spring. Thanks

 

[zpa]

I have used both MTL and MTF0063 in a 9000 which has practically the same gearbox. The 0063 was good, but as Saab9-3 said, MTL is excellent especially in the cold.

 

[m37charlie]

Actually it appears to be a 75W85, not 75W90. Redline now makes a 75W85 GL4 trans fluid. The 85 spec is 11.0 to 13.5.
But the high Ca level makes me think it may have a lot of detergency. Saab must think detergency is important. I'd ask Redline re detergent content in their GL4s before using them.
The high Ca and almost 1:1 Zn ratio means this stuff may be derived from a motor oil, maybe a 5W30 or light 0W40. Evidently it has >1.5% ZDDP, which is not usually used much in dedicated transmission oils.

Charlie