Newport 30 Mark III 1984 Changing Transmission Fluid

Dec 4, 2024
9
Newport 30 mark III Port Angeles
New owner here. This boat has a Universal M-18. I am not on the boat right now so I can't look at the transmission at the moment. Can anyone with the same engine give me advice on changing the transmission fluid, please? 1. I assume I have to hand pump out the old fluid and would love a suggestion on which pump to buy. 2. Do I also need to change a filter? What filter should I order? 3. Which fluid do I get and 1 or 2 quarts? Before you tell me to read the online manuals, they all seem to leave out any information on the transmission, and I have spent hours searching already. Very frustrating.
 

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,555
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
This is not impossible...:biggrin:

Can anyone with the same engine give me advice on changing the transmission fluid, please?
Maybe. How about someone who has been around small diesel boat engines? Perhaps the following is helpful.

1. I assume I have to hand pump out the old fluid and would love a suggestion on which pump to buy.
Yes. I bought one like this. Use it to extract all oils from the engine. Works sweet. Will work for your transmission. Different hoses used for different oils. Avoids contamination but not critical. There are others smaller for smaller engines. Be sure to check your engine to get the right size. No fun making two trips to the oil dump when you can make one.
Screenshot 2025-03-09 at 3.55.33 PM.png

2. Do I also need to change a filter? What filter should I order?
No Transmission oil filter. Unless a previous owner has modified you engine/transmission system.

3. Which fluid do I get and 1 or 2 quarts?
The HBW-50 which is used on the M-18 Universal calls for 0.29 qts of ATF transmission oil. One quart will be good for 3 full changes and supprot top ups. Unless a previous owner has modified your boat's system to add a transmisison oil cooler. Then you will use more of the single quart.

Before you tell me to read the online manuals, they all seem to leave out any information on the transmission,
Here is the section of the manual for the M18 identfying the Hurth Transmission. Yours will likely be the HBW-50, unless a previous owner has modified your boat. Then you will need to go to the boat and identify your system.

Good Luck.;)
 

Attachments

Dec 4, 2024
9
Newport 30 mark III Port Angeles
Thank you so much, John. This was very helpful. Exactly the info I needed and I have downloaded the pdf for future reference. Maybe see you up here in the Salish Sea sometime.
 

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,555
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Maybe see you up here in the Salish Sea sometime.
I look forward to this happening. It has been a while since I enjoyed Port Angeles. The cruising year is ahead of us. A run out to Neah Bay this Spring sounds like fun.
 
Jun 11, 2004
1,726
Oday 31 Redondo Beach
1. I assume I have to hand pump out the old fluid and would love a suggestion on which pump to buy.
I have the same engine and transmission. I just drain mine out by removing the plug on the bottom of the transmission. If you can get to it that works fine. You will want a new washer to replace the old one.

Be careful not to over fill. It doesn't take much, just a little over a cup As it says in John's attachment, when checking the level do not screw in the dip stick bolt.
 
Dec 4, 2024
9
Newport 30 mark III Port Angeles
I have the same engine and transmission. I just drain mine out by removing the plug on the bottom of the transmission. If you can get to it that works fine. You will want a new washer to replace the old one.

Be careful not to over fill. It doesn't take much, just a little over a cup As it says in John's attachment, when checking the level do not screw in the dip stick bolt.
Thanks for the good advice, Richard. When you say replace the washer, where is that washer and is it rubber? (Haven't been able to give it a look, because rain and some high winds have made working on the boat engine near impossible, but maybe Friday, so I am not sure yet if I have room to remove a plug, or if I have to pump.)
 

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,555
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Good news... If you can get to the boat today, the weather should be accommodating till about 5PM. It is going to et sketchy and stormy for the next 2-3 weeks.
 
Dec 4, 2024
9
Newport 30 mark III Port Angeles
Good news... If you can get to the boat today, the weather should be accommodating till about 5PM. It is going to et sketchy and stormy for the next 2-3 weeks.
The irony of trying to get the boat in better condition before my sailing partner returns from Hawaii. Tried to work on the boat Sunday, thinking, what's a little rain? The wind was wicked and squealing and the boat was rocking like an anxious horse, which means trying to set up a tarp to protect the cockpit while I accessed the engine, was a fool's errand. Since you reminded me it is March, maybe I better go today.
 
  • Like
Likes: jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,555
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
I am up in the marina today. I am going to work on the next projects that need solutions. March is the time of the season to pick your projects and match them to what the weather permits.
Good luck.
 
Jun 11, 2004
1,726
Oday 31 Redondo Beach
Thanks for the good advice, Richard. When you say replace the washer, where is that washer and is it rubber? (Haven't been able to give it a look, because rain and some high winds have made working on the boat engine near impossible, but maybe Friday, so I am not sure yet if I have room to remove a plug, or if I have to pump.)
The washer goes on the fill and drain plugs.

I used something like this but I can't remember the exact size, either 14 or 16. It's the same size diameter as the fill plug though so you can take that out and measure it. You'll want a new one for the fill plug anyway.


edit: On further look I think the washer is the 16mm size.

Here is an interesting write up on the procedure. Similar to my experience.

 
Last edited: