Marine 30w transmission oil

[vann.cochran]

I have ZF 220 transmission on my boat. It calls for a 30w transmission oil. Is that not the same as 30w motor oil? The manual does say no detergents. Can someone please confirm it is just motor oil? Thanks

[tkeithlu]

Not quite. Not if you want no detergents. Here's an example of what you want. It's motor oil, but rarely used in motors anymore.

https://www.amazon.com/Valvoline-SAE...42&sr=8-3&th=1

[DougR]

Interesting, the ZF owners manual I just looked at online makes no mention of detergent oil whatsoever, and the oil specifications listed as acceptable are definitely detergent oils........?

During my 30+ years in the marine engine business we bolted literally hundreds of ZF and TD transmissions behind diesel engines and they all got filled with detergent oil.