How can it be determined whether gear oil, engine oil, or ATF is the required lubricant for my M46?

Thanks all!

For some reason the replies don't show. All my manuals say Type F.
I've been happy with the results using Redline MTL but it's pricy.

Ask Duane Hoberg, the OD guru!

Seriously, I remember Duane submitting a comprehensive discourse on why we should stay with ATF in our M46s -- something to do with polymers and seals? A search of the archives ought to turn something up.

But in my M47, I use Redline synthetic (MTL? can't remember the abbreviation off the top of my head...)

Rob Kuhlman

The green books specify ATF type F or G, the owners manual says ATF or 30w oil, I use Redline MTL for the M-46 in the turbo. It has much smoother shifts since the changeover.
Dave Shannon
Spring Valley, California (San Diego area)
'84-245 200K+
'85-244Ti 200K+
'86-740 230K+
'88-240 180K+
www.volvo2.homestead.com (Opens new window)

For M45 and M46 transmissions, Volvo specified in the service manuals ATF type F or G fluid.

Duane

Your owner's manual is always your friend. Just buy one from Volvo mail order.

Type F ATF. I sell Amsoil Synthetic Type F (ART - Powershift), if interested. A little spendy, but all you need is less than 3 qts. Works great hot or cold.
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http://www.fidalgo.net/~brook4/oilslubesfilters.html

Well, of course, the owner's manual is the best resource. In general, though, Type F ATF is what is called for in the M46s. Some folks have used synthetic Type F or their synthetic multipurpose ATF (which apparently meets the Type F specs) put out by Amsoil, or have used the synthetic MTL by Redline. Motor oil is acceptable in some circumstances if you are in a warm climate, but I don't see that there are any real advantages to using motor oil.

Hope this helps.

Mike Brown
Greenville NC
1986 244 132K (w/ M46)
1996 965 93K

Fill it with ATF type F as the manual states. Or fill and drive if you insist on experimenting. If it grinds, the oil is too heavy. No big deal, I have driven cars that were filled with gear oil or motot oil by a non-believing mechanic and the tranny is sluggish and grinds when cold.. Look at OD function too.