Transmission fluid?

[jcollins]

I have been checking the transmission fluid a few times a year. For the first time, it's low in the reservoir. On the outside it just says "ATF" so I'm assuming automatic transmission fluid. Does anyone have a recommendation for brand/type? Or, just anything from the auto store?

Hurth transmission.

Thanks,

[RobS]

Any name brand "ATF" meeting Dextron III / Mercon

[RobS]

I have been checking the transmission fluid a few times a year.

BTW, Checking - How about Changing?

[jcollins]

No. Haven't changed since I bought the boat. 2006 season. I see no records that the previous owner did either.

How often?

[RobS]

I've heard/read different feedback on that. Many do it at every other oil change. Not sure how many hours you put on in a season but 150 hours or every other season should be fine. Just keep an eye on the level (which you obviously are) and make sure the fluid is clean. At this point in the season my recommendation would be to do it with your winterization oil change so, like the engine, she sits over the winter with clean fluid. Just get the level right for now and double check that you are not leaking.

The tranny fluid change is easier than the engine oil change but I don't remember if you do this yourself or not?

[jcollins]

Average is 90 hrs a year. So, I guess it's time. The fluid is clean and normal looking. I'll top it off until I figure out how to change it myself. Can it be changed out of the water or should I do it before it's hauled?

[chiefrcd]

I change mine every year and I use Amsoil ATF. I have the Velvet Drive 5000.

[RobS]

Average is 90 hrs a year. So, I guess it's time. The fluid is clean and normal looking. I'll top it off until I figure out how to change it myself. Can it be changed out of the water or should I do it before it's hauled?

If you change it after you haul the boat you can just drain the fluid into the bilge, take out the transom plug and put a drain pan under the boat to catch the fluid.

It really does not make a difference. If you do it while in the water then you can sea trial it and make sure the level is good and you have no leaks. If you do it after haul out just be sure to keep an eye on the level when you start off next season.

When you remove the cover off for the filter access the filter simply lifts out and then there is a center hole that is open to the sump of the tranny that you can use to get a suction hose down to the bottom and suck out the fluid. The filter is a metal mesh filter that can be properly cleaned and re-used but for the amount of hours per season we do it’s not worth it. The filter is pricey, approx $45 and comes with a new cover gasket.

Will take approx 4 qts of fluid but depends on the tranny cooler and the angle at which the tranny sits so get 5.

Get a genuine ZF filter which you can get from a local dealer or direct from ZF. Here’s there link. FYI, Hurth and ZF Marine are the same.

http://www.zf-marine.com/

[jcollins]

Average is 90 hrs a year. So, I guess it's time. The fluid is clean and normal looking. I'll top it off until I figure out how to change it myself. Can it be changed out of the water or should I do it before it's hauled?

If you change it after you haul the boat you can just drain the fluid into the bilge, take out the transom plug and put a drain pan under the boat to catch the fluid.

It really does not make a difference. If you do it while in the water then you can sea trial it and make sure the level is good and you have no leaks. If you do it after haul out just be sure to keep an eye on the level when you start off next season.

When you remove the cover off for the filter access the filter simply lifts out and then there is a center hole that is open to the sump of the tranny that you can use to get a suction hose down to the bottom and suck out the fluid. The filter is a metal mesh filter that can be properly cleaned and re-used but for the amount of hours per season we do it’s not worth it. The filter is pricey, approx $45 and comes with a new cover gasket.

Will take approx 4 qts of fluid but depends on the tranny cooler and the angle at which the tranny sits so get 5.

Get a genuine ZF filter which you can get from a local dealer or direct from ZF. Here’s there link. FYI, Hurth and ZF Marine are the same.

http://www.zf-marine.com/

Rob,
Thanks very much for the information. I can do it! It's on the fall list. (no drain plug though)

Thanks again!

[RobS]

Rob,
Thanks very much for the information. I can do it! It's on the fall list. (no drain plug though)

Thanks again!

Anytime - Glad to help. And one other thing - You do not need to run the boat first as ATF is light weight, approx. 10W

[Russell]

If you use a hose to suck out the transmission fluid just make sure it is very clean. You do not want to contaminate your ATF with old engine oil. Rather than purchase a new filter each time I kept the old one and cleaned it well in acetone. It has a whole year to dry before doing the swap again.

[jcollins]

Another question.
I'm assuming the Hurth transmission is basically the same on most models. That said, I began to pour the ATF in.
There are no markings on the inside of the reservoir. When to stop? 1/3, 1/2, to the top?
Should I post a picture?

[RobS]

Dipstick? No?

[Denis]

I assume most Hurth transmissions are about the same on Albin models, the dipstick is on one side and the filter is on the other side. Lord knows I have been wrong before but that is how it is on my tranny.

[RobS]

Dipstick.



Filter