1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
I agree with Craig that you shouldn't mix anything with the fossil oil already in the transaxle. This is assuming the previous owner, if there was one, didn't change the fluid--an unlikely occurrence since the car has no drain plug and there is no service interval recommended by Saab on this unit.
I would top it off with a top-quality 10w30 fossil oil, like Castrol GTX, and hope the low level you've experienced hasn't damaged something. If you must change the fluid, as if and when the tranny needs major service, it would be advisable to use only 10w30 or 10w40 fossil engine oil. Do not use Redline MTL, as I and others have experienced what it can do to a transaxle of that vintage (total destruction).
Anything other than fossil oil or Saab's new synthetic fluid is very risky with this transaxle. Saab sanctions the use of their new fluid in older units, but only if all the old fluid is completely purged, as the two are not compatible. Some on TSN have suggested that this new fluid should not be used in pre-'94 trannies, on the recommendation of Ericsson, but I have no other info on this recommendation. I'm running the Saab fluid in my '95 Aero and it has performed fine in a year of use, but the '94> transaxles are very different from the earlier units, so that observation is perhaps irrelevant. Townsend Imports likes Amsoil 20w50 synthetic engine oil, but I don't know anyone here who's had the courage to try it. IMO, experimenting with boutique fluids in this transaxle is treading on thin ice, but that's just my 2¢.
Personally, if I had that car I'd top it off with fossil oil and hope for the best.
posted by 24.39....
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
