1980 390 auto trans fluid

[Ktm181]

Hi Gents, wondering if you could offer some advice, my 390 auto has been "sleeping" for a loooong time and needs new trans fluid, i dont seem to be able to find the original stuff, what do you recommend? It currently has full synthetic auto trans fluid in it and whilst it does work (bit grabby) i would rather the good stuff if i can get it.

By the by, it hasnt or hadnt fired a shot for at least 20 years, quick carb and tank clean, new air filter, even left the 30 YEAR OLD TYRES AND TUBES on it and it running like a clock, I CANT BELIEVE IT! Just need to fix the trans oil.

thanks heaps,
Kt

[HVA61]

ESSO Univis J 26

Contact : Imperial Oils and Chemicals

03 9761 6955 , great people and prompt delivery .

Best oil for the Auto's , contains same chemical formula additives as the original oil that was  used in the auto engines.

Its "expensive" but nothing works better in the auto engine.

I'm ordering a 20 litre drum on Monday.

[sa63]

I have a 200 litre drum of univis j26 unopened.
I will never use it all
Happy to sell some off to recover cost  . Im near brisbane.
not sure sure on freight, but im sure something can be worked
PM me
Sean

[Ktm181]

Thanks for the update HVA61 & SA63, nice to find guys with the same old girls that are happy to share info.
I had a bit of a disaster yesterday, something broke inside, so might be off the road for a little while whilst i find out what the problem is, in any case I have access to a "manual" 390 engine i can use if needed in the mean time.

SA63 i might just be in touch in a little bit to buy some oil, thanks for the offer!

Cheers,
Kt

[Brian Watson]

You could use Ohlins shock oil also.......

[grouty]

Been trying to find a supplier here in the UK for the Esso Univis J26 too.
Not in a rush at the moment, but will be when the 390AMX motor is rebuilt

[lukeb1961]

Been trying to find a supplier here in the UK for the Esso Univis J26 too.
Not in a rush at the moment, but will be when the 390AMX motor is rebuilt

You could call your Ferrari dealer :-)
Ferrari Original Fluid: Esso UNIVIS J26 hydraulic oil
Recommended alternative: Mercedes ZH-M (a.k.a Aral Vitamol ZH-M

[sa63]

i dont think univis j26 is being made any more.
my investigations on this were via a air filter and oil specialist who contacted a chemist in a oil company. you can get an an alternative made up as a special order but a minimum qty is required.
its a pretty old formula put out by exxon from memory . my digging around for alternatives turned up the 200l drum that i acquired.

[HVA61]

Contact : Imperial Oils and Chemicals

03 9761 6955 , great people and prompt delivery .

[bigk]

I've got an auto manual if need info.
Cheers,
K

[Husky500evo]

There has also been a slight name change with the product . It is now called Univus HVI 26 instead of J26.
It could be my imagination, but it doesn't seem to have the same distinctive smell as the old J26. The HVI stands for high viscosity index. It is expensive. But Husky automatic internals are also very expensive and getting harder to find, so it pays to use the correct transmission fluid. I purchased a 20 litre container of it from Imperial oils some time ago, but have only used 2 oil changes from it because I haven't been getting out on my Autos enough  . And as Watto HVA 1 mentioned, Ohlins shock fluid is the same stuff (I have an old 4 litre container from Husky Imports with Ohlins shock fluid and Univis J26 marked on the label ).   

[Michel Dufayard]

i dont think univis j26 is being made any more.
my investigations on this were via a air filter and oil specialist who contacted a chemist in a oil company. you can get an an alternative made up as a special order but a minimum qty is required.
its a pretty old formula put out by exxon from memory . my digging around for alternatives turned up the 200l drum that i acquired.

200 L !!!
Are you a survivor from Mad Max ?!! LOL !

[stormer 254]

Been trying to find a supplier here in the UK for the Esso Univis J26 too.
Not in a rush at the moment, but will be when the 390AMX motor is rebuilt

I bought 20 litres easy enough but certainly not cheap!

[PEZBerq]

I reuse mine. Drain and let the brass (or steel if a 500) settle to the bottom over 1 week. Pour out the clean oil and filter using paper towel folded into a cone. Reuse once only. This allows you to remove the wear metal off the clutch shows from the transmission. Top up as required. I drain the fluid after every ride day.