How often change tranny fluid?

[Clydo]

Owners manual (I think) states change tranny oil after so many hours or at least
once a year. My engine has 10 hours last year. Does tranny oil degrade
that fast? With so few hours _ and I know absolutely nothing about
tranny oil properties - do I really need to change oil? Thanks
for any answers.

Clyde Thorington
C310 # 245
I LEAN TOO
San Jose, CA

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Does your 310 have a semi separate bilge area for the engine? Does it fill with water from your stuffing box? This is my primary reason for changing trans fluid this year -- Potential water intrusion

 

[jssailem]

My understanding of the Tranny oil change schedule is to avoid the breakdown of oil due to the higher loads involved with marine engines, and the potential for moisture or other contaminants such as metal.

I follow the manual guidelines for my V-drive regarding hours of use, or once annually which ever comes first. On my checklist for Tuesday or Wednesday this week.

 

[Rich Stidger]

I don't think you can go wrong with the manufacturer's recommendation of once per year minimum. If its not a horrendous task to change, I would just do it. That is what I do- every year. In my case, I just suck out the old oil - 75W-90 Full Synthetic Gear Lube - and pour in the new. I typically have 150-300 hours on my engine each year.

 

[Benny17441]

Owners manual (I think) states change tranny oil after so many hours or at least
once a year. My engine has 10 hours last year. Does tranny oil degrade
that fast? With so few hours _ and I know absolutely nothing about
tranny oil properties - do I really need to change oil? Thanks
for any answers.

Clyde Thorington
C310 # 245
I LEAN TOO
San Jose, CA

Owners manual (I think) states change tranny oil after so many hours or at least
once a year. My engine has 10 hours last year. Does tranny oil degrade
that fast? With so few hours _ and I know absolutely nothing about
tranny oil properties - do I really need to change oil? Thanks
for any answers.

Clyde Thorington
C310 # 245
I LEAN TOO
San Jose, CA

This is where the use of a synthetic lubricant shines. It is a closed environment with very few contaminants are present. The synthetic lubricant has a higher heat resistance and a longer usefull life. I personally do not have a problem with just checking the fluid level and monitoring its consistency for up ti two years.

 

[Clydo]

Does your 310 have a semi separate bilge area for the engine? Does it fill with water from your stuffing box? This is my primary reason for changing trans fluid this year -- Potential water intrusion

Yes it does have separate bilge area for engine. My tranny has lot of space under it so
no problem with water from stuffing box.

Clyde Thorington

 

[dlochner]

Marine transmissions usually take either motor oil or transmission fluid. If yours requires transmission fluid, use an older formulation like Dextron 3. This is sometimes labeled for older cars. The newer formulations are too slippery for marine transmissions.

 

[SJN]

Hurth transmissions used with Universal engines get mixed reviews. Overheating is often cause of failure. Having the correct amount of clean lubricant is the best way to keep the transmission cool. Old fluid increases friction. Not enough fluid increases friction. In both cases, increased friction adds heat. Excess heat over time will destroy the transmission. Fluid is inexpensive; transmissions and labor to replace them are very expensive. Thus, do this job at least once a season depending on use.

Draining and filling the Hurth on my boat can only be accomplished using a suction gun because the drain plug is very close to the hull. Suck out as much fluid as you can by moving the vacuum hose around inside the transmission. Measure amount extracted. Do not overfill the transmision above proper amount. Clean the suction gun and hose. Refill with the same amount plus a tiny bit more to address the tiny amount that was cleaned off the suction gun and hose.