Oil?
Good morning, Robert: Just to add to Pete's response: I try to avoid mixing brands if possible, but I wouldn't drain for just that reason. I would, however drain the trans. every couple of years or so. If you are a new owner and don't know if it has ever been done, go ahead and do it in the spring. The easy way is to pump out thru the fill/dipstick hole with a Jabsco hand pump, and when you are sucking air, then open drain on bottom. You should only get a couple of table spoons full that way. Much less mess in the bilge. Be carefull not to lose the metal gasket that is on both the fill and drain plugs, and make sure the Jabsco pump hose is very very clean before you stick it into the trans. Check the condition of the metal gaskets mentioned earlier, especially if used in salt water. There have been reports of problems with the gaskets after a few years due to corrosion. I drain the last few tablespoons into a plastic margerine container that I cut down to fit under the trans in the bilge and inspect the fluid for crud and fine shavings. There should be very little if any of the former. I then pour a few tablespoons of fresh oil into the top to "Flush" any remaining crud. Do this every couple of years and you will have no problems. If you put more than 100hrs a year, do it every year. Fair winds Dave
