Kanzaki gearbox. Where should the correct oil level be. I’ve seen posts that the dipstick cap should be sitting loose? TIA
Gearbox dipstick
- Thread starter wyctoronto
- Start date
That’s pretty close or maybe just a bit higher than I keep mine. From what I’ve read the oil should be just above that bottom line with the cap resting on the gearbox.
Dipstick should be loose. Level should be at the line on the dipstick, maybe an ⅛" above. The fluid is really hard to see clearly, lay the dipstick on a piece of white paper towel the level will be visible on the towel.
That is how I measure mine….dipstick unscrewed and sitting on transmission housing. Oil (in my case), at the line on the stick.
Greg
Greg
Interestingly, here’s what the YM series service manual says about the level -
The dipstick in my 3YM30 has no “upper limit” line like the one pictured, which is why I just go a little above the lower limit.
The dipstick in my 3YM30 has no “upper limit” line like the one pictured, which is why I just go a little above the lower limit.
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My Yanmar transmission dip stick also only has one line - I assume it's the upper level I fill to that line.
dj
My manual says the bottom of the stick is "minimum" and the line is "maximum." I typically fill to just below the line.
This is the KBW-10 manual, FWIW, but I'm assuming it applies to all Kanzaki's.
Doug
This is the KBW-10 manual, FWIW, but I'm assuming it applies to all Kanzaki's.
Doug
I looked at my Yanmar Manual yesterday, as this question is very ambiguous. Since I bought my 2000 - 340, new in 2000, I have always checked my Kansaki Transmission fluid level with the dipstick screwed in.
As a help for you to read the level on the dipstick…rough up the portion under the level line with a piece of emery paper or stainless steel wool, just to where it feels rough when you run your finger nail across it. That gives the oil a surface to cling to long enough for you to see it when you remove it.
Here are the pages from my manual for you to read and a photo of the plate on the transmission as well.
As a help for you to read the level on the dipstick…rough up the portion under the level line with a piece of emery paper or stainless steel wool, just to where it feels rough when you run your finger nail across it. That gives the oil a surface to cling to long enough for you to see it when you remove it.
Here are the pages from my manual for you to read and a photo of the plate on the transmission as well.
Attachments
We should note that not all Kanzaki transmissions are alike. My Kanzaki (RIP) used ATF not oil and the dipstick was a bolt that required a 17 mm wrench. It is the same with my new ZF transmission.
The age old question, “to screw, or not to screw.” The owner’s manual is ambiguous with regards to inserting the dipstick fully and tightening after completion of the task. The general consensus here & elsewhere, is to check the level with the dipstick fully inserted with the cap resting on the housing, not screwed in. My thought is that I would prefer to be 1/4” overfilled than 1/4” under filled by screwing the cap in completely. Yanmar / kanzaki should be more concise in their directions. They have improved somewhat by stamping the recommended lubricant on the the gear housing, ending that controversy.
BTW, good idea to roughen the bottom of the dipstick to aid in reading the fluid level.
As noted by Sailcap340's photo the line is the upper/lower limit. So the line is the correct level.
I had a recent transmission rebuild $$$ and East Coast Marine Transmission did say that the line is the correct level and you don't really want it much above or below the line. Too little is bad, but too much can also cause problems. They also said you take the measurement without screwing it in as has been said and I have commonly done.
It is obviously not an exact science since unless the Dipstick is in the exact center of the transmission the level would vary by the boat and the angle of the engine to meet the prop shaft flange.
I had a recent transmission rebuild $$$ and East Coast Marine Transmission did say that the line is the correct level and you don't really want it much above or below the line. Too little is bad, but too much can also cause problems. They also said you take the measurement without screwing it in as has been said and I have commonly done.
It is obviously not an exact science since unless the Dipstick is in the exact center of the transmission the level would vary by the boat and the angle of the engine to meet the prop shaft flange.
Trust Rick Neary's (East Coast Marine Transmission) advice. When Mack-Boring still had mobile service for Yanmar and Kanzaki, Rick was the lead mechanic.
I should also clarify that the work I had completed at East Coast Transmission was only expensive since as noted elsewhere Yanmar has substantially raised their prices on parts. It was noted that a particular part that I needed was about $400 a 3-4 years ago, was $800 last year and is currently $2000. Rick was excellent to work with and I wouldn't hesitate to bring anything to him to repair.