Transmission Oil

[wfujewell]

Thinking about changing my transmisson oil. Never done this before. Anyone have any pointers. Here are a few of my questions? I have HS63AE transmissions that are hooked up to Volvo diesel engines.

1. How often should transmission oil be changed?

2. How do I measure the oil level--dipstick screwed in or out?

3. Oil should be changed when it is hot...right?

4. I assume I use an oil changer and suck the oil out through the fill/dipstick cap.

Thanks in advance for the suggestions and help.

Also, I posted this in another room but got only a few responses. Anyone know any good marine electricians in central New Jersey? My tower controls are on the fritz.

[undertaker]

Be sure to use a non-detergent oil my zf trans takes straight 30 weight-check level with cap all the way in-change while warm if poss.-change at end of every season.

[Milkshake]

Reverse gear takes Dexron III ( Mercon V covers that spec as well, Mobil 1 SYN ATF is great option) oil volume is 1 US gallon. You will always have a little oil left behind so make sure you use less then 1 gallon. Do not use 30WT non det. After you change put the control lever in neutral and run the engine at 1500 RPM for a couple of minutes and recheck. Best of Luck

[hubris 1]

Be sure to use a non-detergent oil my zf trans takes straight 30 weight-check level with cap all the way in-change while warm if poss.-change at end of every season.

A zf takes straight 30 weight. You should definately change this oil every year at least. One thing most guys never pay any attention to. It only takes about 3-4 quarts and there is a drain plug also. The plates in the trans rub all year and do create wear which you will see in the oil as silver flakes. If you never change it you simply wear it out faster. Without heavy back and forth action a trans can last forever.
I am not sure about trans fluid as I have never seen this but I only had a zf trans. Be sure to look up on the computer site which they recommend.
Without a doubt the most neglected item on a boat, until it breaks, which it will if you dont change the fluid.

[seapower]

As was posted, this gear uses ATF. Don't go cheap on the ATF either, yes I know it's all red, but cheap is cheap (it's your gear). There is a metal oil filter on the right hand side of this gear (if my memory is correct). It has an allen headed bolt that holds the assembly in place. What I do that is different from what was expressed, is to start the engine. Shift from forward, to neutral, to reverse. Do this cycle twice and shut the engine down. By running and shifting the transmission you are filling all passages and oil cooler. What I have been told by ZF is to pull the dipstick out, wipe clean and re-insert to the top of the thread's (don't srcew down). Yes change it once a year or at the recommended hour's stated by ZF. Frank

[hubris 1]

I stand corrected. My zf took straight 30 weight but.........the point is, change it regularly. Most guys dont. You will see the silver dust in the oil when you do. That is the plates wearing......normal but, needs an oil change.

[seapower]

you gave good advice. ZF anf TwinDisc make different size gear's for different application's. Just some of the gear's use different oil's. Alway's best to check with the manufactor. If you guy's are like me (and if you're not now, you will be soon), you won't trust your memory for anything. Frank

[JD5652]

you gave good advice. ZF anf TwinDisc make different size gear's for different application's. Just some of the gear's use different oil's. Alway's best to check with the manufactor. If you guy's are like me (and if you're not now, you will be soon), you won't trust your memory for anything. Frank

Yep...my Capitols recommend straight 40 weight down to 32 deg F and then straight 30 weight.....

[Fast Forward]

As was posted, this gear uses ATF. Don't go cheap on the ATF either, yes I know it's all red, but cheap is cheap (it's your gear). There is a metal oil filter on the right hand side of this gear (if my memory is correct). It has an allen headed bolt that holds the assembly in place. What I do that is different from what was expressed, is to start the engine. Shift from forward, to neutral, to reverse. Do this cycle twice and shut the engine down. By running and shifting the transmission you are filling all passages and oil cooler. What I have been told by ZF is to pull the dipstick out, wipe clean and re-insert to the top of the thread's (don't srcew down). Yes change it once a year or at the recommended hour's stated by ZF. Frank

Addition to this, I have never been able to get all of the fluid out through the dip stick hole. I have a good oil pump with a 1/2 hose on it. I remove the filter and press the hose against the inner pipe in the filter housing and all of the oil comes out in a flash. The other option is to remove the plug. I think that trans holds about 9 quart of ATF. The Sierra part # for the filter is 18-7964