Castrol TAF-X 75W/90 only available in Europe?

[kyliesmith.com]

Having looked at other various grades of Castrol 75W-90 I can get here in NZ, I was recommended by a garage to go with Castrol Syntrax 75W-90. Is this close to the european stuff? I have previously put a Redline product in it but am keen to put in the right stuff as suggested.

Ta,

Kylie

[kyliesmith.com]

Thanks guys, I will keep trying to source it locally and hopefully someone has imported it. If not I will be hot on your tails to purchase some

[ozontour]

Yep...tis good stuff Kylie, it is what i use here in Brisbane

It is expensive stuff as you can only buy it here in the 1 litre but is really good stuff

Justin

[Dermot]

Guys,

I have just looked at the publically available technical data sheets on Castrol TAF-X 75W/90 and Castrol Syntrax Universal 75W/90. Both meet minimum requirements for automotive manual gearboxes, transaxles for API GL4.

However, it looks to me that the high and low viscosity data, the Viscosity Index, and flash point are significantly different. Never mind the specially selected additives to combine extreme pressure qualities with synchro-cone compatibility of TAF-X.

I would be amazed if Lotus approve Castrol Syntrax Universal 75W/90 in this application.

Dermot

[Bibs]

Ditto. TAF-X is the only gearbox oil approved by Lotus, we've discussed this a few times. You'll be better off having some shipped over, that's what I would do personally.

[rydning]

I`m using Shell Transaxel syntetic 75w-90 oil GL4 witch is approved for Porsche and Ferraris Transaxels.Witch is very simular to the Renault UN1 and with crowwheel and pinion,Only that this oil have a additive for LSD diff.Witch we dont need but is no problem.

Make sure you dont put in any oil with GL5 because it can be to hard for the syncrorings and they will wear out faster.

But you need a oil witch is aprooved for crownwheel and pinions.

And there is gearoil with GL4 that is only for transverse transaxels with out the crownwheel and pinion (like most frontwheel drive cars).

Make sure you get the right one.

.

Edited November 3, 2006 by rydning

[Kato]

This issue raised it's head 1-2 years ago in Australia, Lotus contacted Castrol

UK and the Castrol Syntrax 75W-90 is not the same as Castrol TAF-X 75W-90.

TAF-X is the only oil Lotus have tested that will stand the extreme crown wheel

and pinion pressure and smooth synchro mesh operation, there are better oils

available for individual components but for a transaxle operation when one

oil has to withstand both operations TAF-X was the solution, tested and

approved by Renault/Lotus.

There has been no further testing of new blend of oils today and no plans in the future. This would only occur if TAF-X was no longer available. The original oil was Mobile 630 M, Mobile discontinued the M version of 630 and it was then we went too Castrol TAF-X which had been specifically developed for another application and proved suitable for the Renault Transmission and our application.

The Lotus Importer at that time was Lotus Cars Australia, Victoria, Melbourne, they stocked the oil.

[rydning]

I did put a reply furter up in the tread.

I have used Shell transaxel 75w-90 syntetic GL4 oil for 4 years now with extreme loads on my crownwheel and I tried several and this was the one that I find to syncro easiest.

I did also read earlier that Castol Taf-x 75w-90 GL4 is used on the Porsche transaxels.

So if you find a transaxel oil that is designet for the old Porsche tranaxels you will be find.

JAE here stateside has the Castrol TAF-X in stock on the shelf, I am currently using Royal Purple transaxle gear oil of GL4/5 capacity. and the gear box works much more smoothly than it did with fresh TAF-X in it. Although Lotus hasn't tested the capacity of this oil, I use it in my Track RX7 and have taken my trans apart 3 times for new gearing, there has been no galling or blueing of any component and the bearing surfaces and gear teeth all look barely used upon inspection.

Artie

A GL5 oil can be to hard on the syncrorings.

[Kimbers]

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[Paula&Marcus]

Kylie,

Honestly there is no real equivalent for the TAF-X. I personally recommend to only take the real Lotus-approved oil that is TAF-X. Look: http://freudhoefer.de/lotus/esprit/product...ce/oils/oil.htm

Here in Europe we get it from the regular Castrol outlets. Price is Euro 9,80 per half litre bottle. You will need six bottles for your tranny.

If you like, just have a look: http://freudhoefer.de/lotus/esprit/product...nance/index.htm

Shipping 6 bottles via parcel service to New Zealand is no problem. Shipping is Euro 37,-

Cheers

Marcus

www.PUKesprit.de

Having looked at other various grades of Castrol 75W-90 I can get here in NZ, I was recommended by a garage to go with Castrol Syntrax 75W-90. Is this close to the european stuff? I have previously put a Redline product in it but am keen to put in the right stuff as suggested.

Ta,

Kylie