1999 Boxster manual transmission fluid change

[Frodo]

Okay, now we're gettin' somewhere.

So, when people say it's best to use the Porsche transmission oil, that it's so much superior to the competition, that would apply equally to both the Mobil and the Shell products?

BTW, I have no axe to grind here...I'm just trying to figure out what's going into my gearbox.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Frodo

Okay, now we're gettin' somewhere.

So, when people say it's best to use the Porsche transmission oil, that it's so much superior to the competition, that would apply equally to both the Mobil and the Shell products?

BTW, I have no axe to grind here...I'm just trying to figure out what's going into my gearbox.

Approved Manual Transmission Oils

000 043 204 20 Mobil (Mobilube PTX) - 20 liter container

000 043 204 19 Shell (Transaxle) - 20 liter container

999 917 546 00 Shell (Transaxle) - 1 liter container

Note: All are full synthetic rated (or "non-conventional processing") oils. These oils have good light running properties because of their light low-temperature viscosity as well as a high level of temperature stability.

[Frodo]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Approved Manual Transmission Oils

000 043 204 20 Mobil (Mobilube PTX) - 20 liter container

000 043 204 19 Shell (Transaxle) - 20 liter container

999 917 546 00 Shell (Transaxle) - 1 liter container

Note: All are full synthetic rated (or "non-conventional processing") oils. These oils have good light running properties because of their light low-temperature viscosity as well as a high level of temperature stability.

Thanks, John.
I was pretty much ready to order the PTX from Sunset but then, out of curiosity, asked them if they still carried any Shell brand transm oils. This is what they said they carry:

000-043-305-49 Shell

Both Sunset and Pelican Parts carry this, both say it's Porsche-approved, and both indicate it's what has superseded the "no longer available" 999 917 546 00 Shell. Yet another part number, eh?

I guess I'll get that or the PTX...as soon as I can find a coin to flip

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Frodo

Thanks, John.
I was pretty much ready to order the PTX from Sunset but then, out of curiosity, asked them if they still carried any Shell brand transm oils. This is what they said they carry:

000-043-305-49 Shell

Both Sunset and Pelican Parts carry this, both say it's Porsche-approved, and both indicate it's what has superseded the "no longer available" 999 917 546 00 Shell. Yet another part number, eh?

I guess I'll get that or the PTX...as soon as I can find a coin to flip

You could always save some $ and buy it from Sunset Porsche.....

[Frodo]

Kinda what I had in mind. As far as the oil choice, you think it's a toss-up?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Frodo

Kinda what I had in mind. As far as the oil choice, you think it's a toss-up?

We tend to lean towards the Shell product, only because we have never had a problem with it, but I am sure they are very similar.

[Frodo]

As an addendum comment, one thing that I was confused on was this whole issue of "alignment" problems arising in conjunction with this project. On asking around I learned that it apparently has nothing to do with wheel alignment, only alignment of the bolts and holes when trying to re-install the reinforcement plate just below the transmission.

And I got different results than some depending on how one gets their car up in the air. The first time I rolled it back onto ramps, doing this on a sloped driveway such that the back end was elevated while front wheels were still on the concrete, and the car was level. I had no problems getting the plate back on that time. That was 30-35k miles ago, so I decided it was time to repeat the oil change. Out of curiosity this time I put the car on 4 jack stands to access the transaxle drain and fill plug. This time I did have difficulty getting the plate back on. A lot of difficulty. So anyway, this time I took the advice that's been given: got a 2 1/2" hole saw and made an opening below the drain plug for next time.

BTW, another thing I noticed: Both Bentley and 101 Projects were, for me, misleading as to where the fill plug was. They show it right next to where the shaft comes out of the transmission (ie just in front of where the inner axle boot is, driver-side). In my car ('01 S) it was on the same side (ie driver's side) but several inches behind the shaft. It's pretty obvious, pretty much looks just like the drain plug (10 mm Allens both, in my car), but it just wasn't where they said it was.

Also, another recommendation: In my car either plug fit into either opening, and I mixed them up. When I refilled the oil, I noticed a little seepage at the drain hole. Then I noticed that the fill plug had a thick washer on it; the drain plug did not. I had switched them! Obviously the drain plug (being lower) is the one that needs the washer. So don't do that..