Velvet Drive 10 17 004

[Mike Harry]

I want to change the fluids in my velvet drive before I put the boat in the water. It has been sitting for some time, engine has just been rebuilt and I want fresh fluids in everything before I get started running it.

What type of fluid should I use?

How much does one of these things hold?

Should I run new fluid through it and change 2 or 3 times to be sure I clear out all the old fluid?

Any other secrets or thoughts before I dive into this project?

Thanks,
Mike

[phil]

You need dexron mercron III. Don't get synthetic.  Put in one quart and then start checking the dipstick, more than likely it will take about 1.5 qts to fill to the full mark.  I always just siphon out the old fluid.  Also, I would say it's probably not a bad idea to change it more than once if it's been sitting a while. Velvet drive trannies are great. Take care of it and it will last a long time.

[Mike Harry]

Ill get enough to run it out a couple of times then to be sure its all fresh. Thanks for the help.

[Joel]

How do you siphon out the old fluid???   Sorry, I'm an idiot when it comes to mechanics 

[Mike Harry]

Joel,
They make small pumps you can put on the end of your drill with hose to pull fluid out of spots like that. Or you can take an old fuel pump, wire it up and use it the same way (which is the way I plan on doing it)

Here is one for instance     http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_08302660000P?vName=Outdoor%20Living&cName=OutdoorDecor&sName=Fountains%20&%20Pumps&psid=FROOGLE01&sid=IDx20070921x00003a

[phil]

Yeah, get the pump. Personally, I'm pretty cheap so I have been siphoning with a clear hose and my mouth. I suck it up right until it's about to go in my mouth. And yes, I've gotten it in my mouth before which I'm sure is not good for me:)

[Mike Harry]

Come on Phil  That pump is only 10 bucks 

[Joel]

Thanks Phil... but I think I'll go with the pump     I saw one today at a boat "stealer" that was around $35...  I'll keep looking.

Thanks guys...

[brandon]

I will look at the name on mine.  It is based on a plastic pressure sprayer, only it builds vacuum instead of pressure when you pump it.  There is also a steel one I think called the "Topsider" or something like that.  Same theory, I think it is usually around $60.  The one I have was around $30 (ten years ago). 

[brandon]

The pump I have is made by Alloy Marine Inc. called the Suck Up.  In a quick look on the net, everyone is really proud of these now, the cheapest being $62 and up to the mid $80's.  It works great, but I wouldn't  have bought it for that much!  The Topsider made from a steel 2.5 gallon can works good, and Overtons has them on sale now for $33 and some change.  This is a real good unit, the only reason I bought the other one at the time was the prices were reverse of what they sell for now!

By the way, in looking up the Alloy Marine Inc. website, they make some really nice quick disconnect and folding swim platform brackets that I know I have seen someone looking for on here.  They don't list a contact number or info, someone with killer net skills will have to figure that out.

[Mike Harry]

Those brackets on that Alloy Marine site are the same that I just purchased from Ron. (The removable ones anyway)

[Midskier]

the SUCK UP is an awesome tool to have mines about worn out

a few boats I service the engine oil needs to be sucked up out of the dipstick tube what a pita
but a lot easier with my suck up ..........

[Mike Harry]

http://cgi.ebay.com/SIPHONING-HOSE-W-SQUEEZE-PUMP-/310218053647?cmd=ViewItem&pt=BI_Pumps&hash=item483a6fd80f

For those of you who dont want to spend a bunch of money because you wont use it all the time, or want to get away from the ole mouth suck...... I found this on ebay. Cheap enough. I picked up one for myself and it works great with water..... now to test it on the ATF in the velvet drive!

[Mike Harry]

I changed the fluid in the tranny. Is it OK to run it without being in water?  Is the water what cools or lubricates the shaft. Just want to get the new fluids flowing through it.

[phil]

Heck no. Yes, the water lubricates the strut bushing and you also need water to the raw water impeller or you will shred it in seconds. Plus I don't think you want to put that thing in gear if it's not in the water.