Trans Fluid

[kjerchinger]

hello to All,

 I know I have been a stranger on this site for a while, just don't make the time to chat on line, glad to see it is still going strong.

 I am finally getting around to changing the Trans Fluid on my 85 Advance but do not no the required capacity of Fluid is to refill.

can someone help me out ?

Thank-You, in Advance   

[shyskier]

fluid dexron / mercon. ron has advised not to use syn? I believe most are 2 - 3 qt.

[shyskier]

indmar owners manual also list type F fluid. type F has more abrasives in it than dex/merc. can help with slipping clutch packs.

[RonT]

Use Dextron ATF.
I just looked at (3) different engine owners manuals regarding the older Borg Warner Velvet drives, all 3 engines using the same transmission, only Indmar states using a variety of oils as -OK- to use, the others specifically state use Type A only (AKA Dextron) I use Dextron III, IV, V whatever is on the shelf with Dextron in front of the number, but change it every year.
Capacity: 1.9 qts for A/S boats.
This is also the time to do the following;
Lube shift detent
check & adj. shaft alignment

[kjerchinger]

Thanks to The Shy Skier and Ron for the reply.
  I am not around often, but sure glad I own an AM Skier, and have such a great resource when needed.

[Hellfighter334]

Ron,

How do you lube that shift detent?  I searched for it and couldn't find anything.  That's something I didn't know about and haven't done.  Thanks

[RonT]

I usually disconnect the shift cable end, and apply some grease to your finger tip, then follow the shift arm to the transmission case. Rotate the shift arm back & forth, when back, smear some grease near the pivot point, shift forward and apply the rest of the grease on the back side near the pivot point. Then work the lever back & forth a few times working the grease in there. There is a spring & detent ball in the case that presses against the shift arm, if this becomes dry & rusts up you will shift very hard.

[amski79]

Found an old manual that states my old velvet drive for a '79 skier recommends ATF Type A ONLY. So Ron - any Dexron designation number should work fine 3-5? For my information what do the different numbers signify in differences, if any? Any specific brands/ types you use or recommend? Thanks!

[coeperc]

I used Castrol Transmax Dex/Merc (which is Dextron III) in my '81.  World of difference!  I had no idea the last time it had been changed.  Boat had been given to me with no info. on maintenance and no way to find out either....long story.

-Matt

[RonT]

Back in the 70's Type  A aka Dextron is the fluid needed, over the years came Dextron II,III etc, each one improving on the chemistry or OEM spec. requirements, or just another reason to charge more?? If it says Dextron I through VI,  its ok to use, good luck finding any vintage Dextron I or II

[amski79]

Thx for the advice on the type of fluid... Any tips on changing it? First timer here on a tranny fluid change of any kind. Manual recommends removing cooler return tube assembly, draining out of there, and checking the screen assembly. The manual is very vague about getting the screen assembly out... "use a suitable tool and reach into the opening and remove the strainer". Is it softly pressed in, rotated, threaded, etc. ?? I've also read if you don't want/ need to check the strainer, just pump it out of the fill opening. Any pump ideas? I'm thinking the best thing I have on hand is a huge medical syringe with tubing... Thanks in advance!

[coeperc]

Go to any auto parts store or Harbor Freight and get a cheap fluid transfer pump.  Pump it out of the fill tube.  The transfer pump will have long flexible tubing to reach down into the tranny to get most of it out.  Cheap and easy.  If you haven't at least looked into the transmission cooler to make sure there is no debris in there caught by the screen, that would be a good idea too.

-Matt

[RonT]

Your only removing 1.9 qts of ATF, I use a deep vacum pump system & can evacuate a trans in about 4.5 seconds but cost about $700 -or- you can go as simple as a turkey baster with a short hose ext. or your giant enema syringe with a hose extension. I used to use the cheap drill pumps but got frustrated with priming them.

[amski79]

Matt - is there another screen assembly in the actual inline cooler? I've been referring to the one located in the case where the oil returns to the case. Shall I just leave the one in the case alone? Ran into another problem, altho not too big a one, but just don't like "broken" things. The filler cap and dipstick piece has a couple really big cracks in the  rubber and doesn't like to tighten/ seal like it probably should, although it doesn't appear any oil is getting out around the seal. Anyone know where/ how to replace it? Guessing I'll never find a direct replacement...

[backfoot100]

The screen in the cooler is where the cooling water actually runs through. You need to remove the cooler and look through it to verify that nothing is plugged up in that screen. It's a rare occurance but can happen.
I've never touched any screen in the tranny itself. Just pump out the old stuff like Ron stated and fill wil new. It doesn't take very much.
The tranny dipstick is probably OK as long as it doesn't leak. If it's loose put it in and give the T-handle a twist or two. It screws into the seal expanding it and making it snug. That's how it's designed.