F1 Fluid Saga - Part 2 (INPUT APPRECIATED)

Gents,

Over the past month I have been trying to figure out what fluid to use to replace the factory fill F1 fluid, and use the process of draining and filling the reservoir to cycle new fluid through the F1 system over time. I wanted to share the saga with this board, and see if you (especially the experts on the board) have any more input. Thanks again to Brian (Rifledriver) for his prior input on this.

Here is a recap of where I was a few weeks ago. No one in the USA sells any Shell Donax TX, the factory fill fluid. You can still get the stuff in Europe but in very large quantities only. The replacement fluid is Shell Spirax S4 ATF HDX, and can be purchased in the USA, but again in very large quantities only. There is a shop here in the USA that will sell a case of 1L bottles, but the cost is approximately $500 for the case. Ricambi no longer sells the Fiat Tutela CS Speed ATF that many were using for this application. You guys in Europe have it easy as Spirax S4 ATF HDX seems to be available in retail outlets in 1L bottles.

Here is where it gets even more interesting. I called a dealership and asked about the current fluid being used for F1 systems. What I was told is that they are now recommending replacement with Pentosin CHF 11S. I was not sure from this conversation if the “they” is FNA or the factory. While the specs for the Pentosin are somewhat similar (Kinematic Viscosity, Viscosity Index, Density, Flash and Pour Points), Pentosin very specifically states that the fluid should not be combined with any other types of ATF. I happen to have a contact with a very strong relationship with the Pentosin manufacturer and the engineering team in Germany is currently trying to figure out if CHF 11S can be mixed with Donax TX. However, the Pentosin folks were “very surprised” that Ferrari or any dealers are using CHF 11S for this application.

In addition to calling a dealership, I also traded email with the folks at Ricambi who suggested any high quality Dexron III as a replacement for the Fiat Tutela CS Speed. So after looking at many different Dexron III options the one I am thinking might be the best option is the Royal Purple Max ATF. This fluid is a synthetic, has very similar specs to the Donax TX, and according to Royal Purple can be mixed with other ATF brands. But as some of you guys have commented on in the past, there is no information on what additives are used in any of these brands and sticking with the same manufacturer gives you the best probability of having a similar additive mix.

So any input from those of you in the trade is very much welcome and appreciated. Still driving the car with the factory fill Donax TX in the F1 system and itching to start refreshing it.

Matt

 

Thanks Brian. I will definitely look at the Redline fluid. I was not aware that they manufactured an ATF.

 

Will do Terry. As soon as I hear from Pentosin I will post the response.

Matt

 

I forgot to ask you guys the following question in my original post. How much fluid do you collect when you siphon the old fluid from the F1 reservoir without risk of introducing any air into the system? I realize the pump is below the lower level of the reservoir base so the risk of introducing air into the system is low, but want to be on the safe side. The manual states that the F1 fluid system capacity is 1L, but I am guessing that you can only get about 0.25L from that reservoir. Thanks again.

BTW: The request to the Penstosin team on compatibility and application was sent to Germany on Monday, so it may be a while before we hear back from them. Given the source of the request it may go back to Maranello before the Pentosin guys are comfortable with an answer.