I'll keep this brief because I know this topic has been covered to death.

I've been preparing my 98 XK8 for a trip to the SoF, so far, the full service history (115k miles) from local independent Jaguar specialist has proven to be a little worthless. A few years ago, said specialist fitted a replacement gearbox and torque converter. On the invoice it says "Refilled with synthetic oil" Nothing more. The box is fine at present, but I'd like to at least make sure the level has been set correctly. I have an OBDII computer which may or may not plug into the Jag diagnostics. I see there are now a great many oil manufacturers who offer an LT 71141 spec oil. I'm guessing that the need to use Esso LT 71141 was back when this type of tranny was rare? Is it just personal preference now? I've watched the videos on fluid level, and filling, it's a pain, but I guess I can do that.

 

The ESSO or Jaguar branded LT71141 preference was always emotional. There have been fluids meeting the specifications around for many years.

 

I figured that to be the case. I know the oil was developed because of the unique characteristics of the XK8 box, but time has moved on and many other manufacturers have run with similar ZF boxes, so I guess that market forces have been brought to bear on the monopoly. I'm hoping the 'Synthetic' oil the specialist used a few years back, will have been the right stuff so I'll just make sure the level is good and add some more if necessary.

 

Use VW/Audi G 052 162 A2 if you want the EXCACT fluid that Jaguar uses at a lower cost. VW uses it in the 01M and 01V gearboxes.

bob