Its that time for fluid changes and I am a bit frustrated in trying to figure out the BEST way to drain and fill the small Hurth transmission (Model HBW-50) that holds a whopping .29 quarts! Its attached to my Universal M-18 on my 1988 Catalina 30. Absolutely no room to get under the unit. I will assume you use a small plastic tube (as with the engine oil) in the fill port but if their is a better way then I would love to hear it. Thanks Bob Catalina 30 '88
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Tranny Fluid Change Made Easy...
Buy a bunch of oil absorbing pads and put them into two small kitchen trash bags (double bag). Then slide this whole mess under the tranny and remove the drain plug. It helps to have the plug loose first. Once the plug is removed all the fluid will drain into the oil pads, that are in the trash bags, and be ready to be thrown away at a facility that accepts chemicals. I've tried changing with the oil change pump but it does not get it all for some reason. You could also suck as much out as you can then do the oil pad trick too thus creating less of a saturated pad & mess. Two or three pads should hold the fluid fine. I've done this a number of times and it works quite well..
Buy a bunch of oil absorbing pads and put them into two small kitchen trash bags (double bag). Then slide this whole mess under the tranny and remove the drain plug. It helps to have the plug loose first. Once the plug is removed all the fluid will drain into the oil pads, that are in the trash bags, and be ready to be thrown away at a facility that accepts chemicals. I've tried changing with the oil change pump but it does not get it all for some reason. You could also suck as much out as you can then do the oil pad trick too thus creating less of a saturated pad & mess. Two or three pads should hold the fluid fine. I've done this a number of times and it works quite well..
Turkey Baster
I also have a M18 on my 87 Newport30 wit the hurth trannie. try using the turkey basting gizmo with a piece of plastic tubing attached to the end of the baster. Just stick it in the fill hole and squeeeeze and release until the fluid comes back into the bulb. then squeeeze out the old fluid into a container and keep track as to how much comes out. then just do the opposite and use the baster to install the new fluid, don't forget to pinch the hose so you don't spill it all over. To help prevent any spillage put a couple paper baby diapers around the transmission, these things soak up really fast and are easy to remove and get rid of.on the Newport you have to just about hang by your heals to get at everything so make sure all the necesary containers and diapers and etc. are within easy reach so your not up and down alot and spilling things. Good luck
I also have a M18 on my 87 Newport30 wit the hurth trannie. try using the turkey basting gizmo with a piece of plastic tubing attached to the end of the baster. Just stick it in the fill hole and squeeeeze and release until the fluid comes back into the bulb. then squeeeze out the old fluid into a container and keep track as to how much comes out. then just do the opposite and use the baster to install the new fluid, don't forget to pinch the hose so you don't spill it all over. To help prevent any spillage put a couple paper baby diapers around the transmission, these things soak up really fast and are easy to remove and get rid of.on the Newport you have to just about hang by your heals to get at everything so make sure all the necesary containers and diapers and etc. are within easy reach so your not up and down alot and spilling things. Good luck
Satanic Sailboat Designers..
Looking at the way engines and transmissions are placed in most Sailboats by the Designers/Builders I have come the conclusion that these people are all Demons from Hell sent by Satan himself to torment us all.Looking into the engine compartment of my 29' Lancer,where my trusty Yanmar SB-8 lives..I cannot help but wonder what they were thinking.NOTHING can be reached or serviced except the fuel filter..all else requires a contortionist and/or me youngest sons skinney arms.
Looking at the way engines and transmissions are placed in most Sailboats by the Designers/Builders I have come the conclusion that these people are all Demons from Hell sent by Satan himself to torment us all.Looking into the engine compartment of my 29' Lancer,where my trusty Yanmar SB-8 lives..I cannot help but wonder what they were thinking.NOTHING can be reached or serviced except the fuel filter..all else requires a contortionist and/or me youngest sons skinney arms.
Sorry, no easy ways but
I would consider putting sinthetic oil in the tranny. In applications like these is where sinthetic oils shine. It is an enclosed enviroment where no dirt or combustion byproducts get in. The oil is more resistant to heat and maintains viscocity a lot longer. Automobile manufacturers are using sinthetic oils in their manual transmissions and have extended the replacement schedule to over 100,000 miles. With the way we use our engines theorically you would not need to replace the transmission oil in 20 years. It is always a good idea to periodically check its level and its color as a leak can occur at one of the seals. I filled my transmission 3 years ago with sinthetic and its still looks as good as the first day.
I would consider putting sinthetic oil in the tranny. In applications like these is where sinthetic oils shine. It is an enclosed enviroment where no dirt or combustion byproducts get in. The oil is more resistant to heat and maintains viscocity a lot longer. Automobile manufacturers are using sinthetic oils in their manual transmissions and have extended the replacement schedule to over 100,000 miles. With the way we use our engines theorically you would not need to replace the transmission oil in 20 years. It is always a good idea to periodically check its level and its color as a leak can occur at one of the seals. I filled my transmission 3 years ago with sinthetic and its still looks as good as the first day.
Not sure why this is a problem
Sure, changing engine or trans oil is always going to be somewhat messy, but it shouldn't be that hard to do. The transmission on my H28.5 is hard to reach due to a variety of hoses over the fill hole, but it isn't that hard to slip a the small hose from my brass PAR hand pump in there and suck out the old oil. Since it's such a small amount (I think a quarter of a liter), all it takes is one stroke of the pump and its done. I use a small funnel with a long tube attached to replace the oil.
Sure, changing engine or trans oil is always going to be somewhat messy, but it shouldn't be that hard to do. The transmission on my H28.5 is hard to reach due to a variety of hoses over the fill hole, but it isn't that hard to slip a the small hose from my brass PAR hand pump in there and suck out the old oil. Since it's such a small amount (I think a quarter of a liter), all it takes is one stroke of the pump and its done. I use a small funnel with a long tube attached to replace the oil.
Appreciate the responses
Thanks. Good responses. I believe for my engine/tranny set up and the tight space, the turkey baster and line will work fine. Consideirng the tranny holds but half a quart, it should not take too long. Bob Catalina 30
Thanks. Good responses. I believe for my engine/tranny set up and the tight space, the turkey baster and line will work fine. Consideirng the tranny holds but half a quart, it should not take too long. Bob Catalina 30
Use the Top Sider
You pump it up to create a vacuum and stick the hose down the dip stick tube. Oil is collected in a 2 gallon container. I have used it for years on my Catalina 30 and 36. Also use it at home for my lawnmower and snowblower. About $50 at WM.
You pump it up to create a vacuum and stick the hose down the dip stick tube. Oil is collected in a 2 gallon container. I have used it for years on my Catalina 30 and 36. Also use it at home for my lawnmower and snowblower. About $50 at WM.
WM Oil Vac Pump...
Same idea as the Top Sider, a little smaller (5 qt vs. 2 gal) and it's all plastic. Changing oil is actually enjoyable with these pumps, and never a drop to spill! Don't forget to run the engine long enough to warm up the oil, or it will be very hard to suck it up. Cheers, Bob s/v X SAIL R 8
Same idea as the Top Sider, a little smaller (5 qt vs. 2 gal) and it's all plastic. Changing oil is actually enjoyable with these pumps, and never a drop to spill! Don't forget to run the engine long enough to warm up the oil, or it will be very hard to suck it up. Cheers, Bob s/v X SAIL R 8
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