i'm replacing the power steering cooler and lines because of a leak. I had read that transmission fluid (red) was supposed to be used. The color of the fluid that I drained is not red. It looks like Pentosin. I'm not sure what to put back in now. Here is a paper towel with the fluid on it.

 

As far as I can recall, the X100s were filled with red Dexron III, or equivalent fluid, from the factory. It's what I've always used in mine.

However, we also have a couple of VW's and they use Pentosin CHF-11S which is green and, I believe is used by several German car manufacturers.

I suspect that both can be used as power steering fluid in the XK8 but I would probably not mix them. I think Dexron III and its equivalents are always red so I would either top up with Pentosin (if it's slightly green) or drain it all out and refill with Dexron III.

It might be that the two are entirely compatible but some Googling might provide more information.

Richard

 

My car is a 2000 conv3ertible and the workshop manual says Dextron 3. The fluid in my car is red when I topped it up. My car does use Petosin 11s in the convertible top system, maybe is the PS by mistake? I would look at the specs of Dextron 3 and Petosin, they may be compatible.

 

I have always used Dexron III in my wife's 2006 XK8's power steering system. No issues with it during almost 12 years of ownership....

 

I always used dexron III in my 2000. It's just that when I drained the return line to replace the cooler, the fluid definitely was not red. I guess I can replace with dextron III, cycle the system 4 or 5 times while pumping fluid out of the reservoir and refilling. Hopefully that would replace most of what's in there.

 

In my view, that would be fine. It's what I would do.

Richard

 

Here you go...

 

I ended up using Pentosin ATF1 because I had it on hand, and it is Dexron 3 compatible, also, the same amber color as what was in there. I did a full flush and everything seems to be working correctly. Thanks all.