Hurth Transmission oil change

[Cedric]

Just recently acquired a nice 1983 Cat 30 with a M-25 engine in great condition (900 original hours). Trying to do all the maintenance items right up front and discovered it is very hard to get to the transmission drain plug, let alone drain it. Any wisdom from owners on this is very much appreciated, thanks. Size of drain plug (17mm?)? How best to reach it? No way to catch the oil, just suck it out of the engine bilge? Thanks again....Cedric

 

[Robert W. Bonney]

Oil Change

I have a similar problem with my M22. I elected to use an oil change pump to pump out all of the oil through the dipstick tube rather than attempting to use the drain plug. You can purchase the pumps from WestMarine or any other similar sources. It was quick, easy and clean.

 

[Ted]

Vacuum pump

I purchased a cool vacuum tank. You put the drain line down a dipstick hole, pump up the vacuum manually and open the valve to the vacuum tank. Walk away and come back in 5-8 minutes, presto empty! Got it at west marine.

 

[R. Hodge]

Large syringe

Cedric,Just recently changed mine in my 86 C30. I was able to remove the drain plug with an open end wrench (can't remember what size but 17 seems too large). Used some absorbent pads to catch the old fluid (diapers would do). Biggest problem I had was getting the new fluid into the transmission due everything being so crowded. Someone suggested using a large syringe with a small length of plastic hose to 'inject' the fluid into the top. Worked great.Next time I change the fluid I plan to use the same syringe and hose to suck the old fluid out through the top.

 

[John]

transmission oil

I also just purchased an 83 and changed the transmission oil for my first time. I ran the engine in reverse at my mooring to warm things up and then used a hand pump to remove as much oil as I could get. I had to really search to find the correct trans oil as speced and added the oil using a very long plastic funnel. Put adsorbing pads underneath just in case. Be careful to fill to the mark on the dipstick and not overfill. Go real slow as its easy to overfill.

 

[Tom]

Turkey baster

Yep, I use a turkey baster with a length of vinyl hose attached to suck out the old trans fluid. Like a large syringe, cheap too at those factory outlet kitchen stores. Also use the turkey baster to add fresh fluid. It doesn't spill a drop and makes it easy to add fluid to that small hole in that hard-to-reach location.

 

[Ron]

OIL BOY

Hi Cedric, I use a fluid extractor kit called the Oil Boy by Tempo. $69.00 Can at most marine stores. You put the small tube down the dip stick and pump the container causing a vacuum. The oil is drawn up the tube into the container which you empty at a recycle depot. I use it on my 81 Cat 30 for both the engine and the transmission oil. It's simple and very clean to use. Cheers, Ron