I have a ZF gearbox with a small filter - 6cm diameter. The filter has fine metal screen so not paper.
The replacement cost is $100 + $16 postage so a bit excessive.
Is it possible to clean and reuse?
ZF say no.

I'd just clean it after close inspection to see if it has any contamination, dirt, filings in it. For this type of filter I would even expect the manufacturer to specify as reusable.
Scrubby

Gary says yes.
But from photo not sure how.
www.summitracing.com/int/search/part-type/oil-filter-elements-replacement/filter-element-material/stainless-steel-mesh

This site describes some mesh filters as washable and some as replacements.
The difference seems to be the fineness of the mesh, Filters rated in microns are replacement.
I would stand your old filter up, fill it with oil and see how well the oil flows through it.
It the flow (at gravity) looks acceptable (what ever that is) just wash it and replace.

gary

Try a friendly Mercury dealer and see what he will do a Mercruiser 35815419 filter for, might be cheaper than ZF 463772 (replacing 3312199031).

Volvo Penta 3582069 is the same but you will be no better off regards pricing.

If you do intend washing it out, be aware that unlike most filters, on this one the crud is on the inside so make sure you flush accordingly.

I also have a ZF gearbox on a 3-cyl diesel, but I never knew there might be a filter. So now you've got me worried.
Never seen a cover the size of a filter on my ZF, but then I haven't crawled all around the gearbox looking for one.

Anyone here know whether ALL or most marine gearboxes (ZF or other) have filters ?

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Karsten said..
I also have a ZF gearbox on a 3-cyl diesel, but I never knew there might be a filter. So now you've got me worried.
Never seen a cover the size of a filter on my ZF, but then I haven't crawled all around the gearbox looking for one.

Anyone here know whether ALL or most marine gearboxes (ZF or other) have filters ?

You may not have a filter, ZF 4M through to ZF30M boxes don't have a filter.

Thanks Loosechange. Mine is a ZF BW7, so not in your sequence but a smaller box in the scheme of things.

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Karsten said..
Thanks Loosechange. Mine is a ZF BW7, so not in your sequence but a smaller box in the scheme of things.

You may find this handy if you don't have one.

earlhill.de/files/ZF_BW7_Workshop_Manual.pdf